Imo State's political landscape is unusually quiet as the 2027 governorship election approaches. The state's APC, led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, has been docile, sparking speculation among politicians and analysts. Despite Uzodimma's assurance that power will rotate to Owerri Zone in 2028, the zone's politicians seem hesitant to make their moves. This silence is puzzling, given the state's history of intense politicking.
The Imo Charter of Equity has been cited as a reason for the APC's silence. According to the charter, power should rotate to Owerri Zone in 2028. However, some analysts believe that Owerri politicians are waiting for a signal that may never come. They argue that power is not served on a platter and that politicians must work for it. President Bola Tinubu's 2023 campaign declaration, "Emi lo kan," meaning "it is my turn," has been cited as an example of a politician taking bold action.
Meanwhile, two men from zones not favored by the Charter have emerged as potential candidates. Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, a former governor from Okigwe Zone, and High Chief Charles Orie, a wealthy businessman from Orlu Zone, have been actively campaigning and empowering women. Both are APC chieftains and close friends of Governor Uzodimma. Their bold moves have raised questions about their intentions and the governor's stance on their candidacies.
The emergence of Ohakim and Orie has sparked concerns among Owerri APC aspirants. If the slot is truly reserved for Owerri, what becomes of the two men who have been spending and holding forth? Will they be compensated or agree to go home empty-handed? History has shown that in Imo politics, nothing goes for nothing. The Owerri APC aspirants must not forget the lesson of Governor Rochas Okorocha's attempt to hand over to his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu.
Several Owerri Zone APC heavyweights are said to be in the race but waiting for a green light from Government House. Only one man, Chief Reginald Amadi of Emekuku, has openly declared his candidacy. Others, including Chief Dr. Henry Njoku, Dr. Macdonald Ebere, and Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, are said to be waiting in the wings. Interestingly, most of them come from Owerri North, a local government area being described as the battleground within the battleground.
Analysts argue that Imo politics is too sophisticated and defiant at the last hour. The state's history has shown that anointing a candidate by proclamation has never worked. The Owerri APC aspirants must sound their own trumpet and work for their victory. If they wait to be anointed, they may end up losing the opportunity. The 2027 governorship race in Imo State promises to be a keenly contested one.
As the clock ticks towards November 2027, Imo State's politicians are gearing up for the election. The APC's silence has created a vacuum that the opposition is seeking to exploit. Former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Dr. Chima Amadi have been keeping their structures active and their ambitions visible. The ball is now in the APC's court, and the party must make its move soon to stay ahead in the game.
Key points
- Imo APC's silence sparks speculation in 2027 governorship race
- Owerri Zone politicians hesitant to make moves despite Charter of Equity
- Dr. Ikedi Ohakim and High Chief Charles Orie emerge as potential candidates from zones not favored by Charter
