T he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) days ago announced that the governorship election for Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states will hold on November 11, 2023, they form the last set due to scattered election timetable following the supreme court pronouncement.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye who signed the statement, explained that the decision is in fulfillment of the requirement of Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which mandates the Commission to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date fixed for the elections.
Meanwhile, the commission has fixed March 27 to April 17 for gubernatorial party primaries.
Already, political watchers have penciled down Governor Hope Uzodimma as the number one contender for the plum job. Ahead of the campaigns, an Imo based Journalist, Daniel Okeoma has called on Uzodimma not to abandon governance saying “It is hoped that he won’t abandon governance in pursuit of renewal of his governorship mandate. Because anything outside this will see the state losing more”. This is as a result of the spike in political activities in the state.
However, the announcement had elicited reactions in Imo State even as it has sparked off political activities in the state. The following are the persons who are nursing governorship ambitions to replace the incumbent occupier.
Governor Hope Uzodimma (APC)
Currently the Imo State Governor under the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). Though he is yet to declare a second term bid but his body language is a pointer. Nze Duru Kizito said Uzodimma has the first right of refusal.
A political analyst, Nze Duru Kizito said “Hope Uzodinma, all things being equal, wouldn’t contest the guber ticket of APC in Imo for next year’s guber election with anybody. He’s already thinking about the main election while others have to pass through the hurdle of winning the primaries. He’s already a candidate and the man to beat. I think it will take a lot to stop him. He is a very clever politician”.
Hon Emeka Nwajuba (APC)
The immediate past minister of State (Education) is said to be eyeing the plum job and will slug it out with Uzodimma to clinch the party’s ticket. He was instrumental to the emergence of Frank Ibezim as the current Senator representing Imo North (Okigwe zone). Sources close to him said he has activated his political movement but albeit quietly and watching events. One s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP Aspirants To Watch)
Chief Emeka Ihedioha
He’s the immediate past governor ousted by the Supreme Court on January 14th 2020 and has not hidden his desire to make a comeback. In recent times he has been under several attacks from supposed loyalists of Uzodimma, giving the impression he’s a nightmare. Many people still root for him which may be the reason some groups call for his head at different times. However, he has to contend with the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu for the party’s ticket. Both men are considered vast in political manoeuvring.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu
Currently the National Scribe of the PDP, he has already set up the Divine Mandate Movement which is considered his political structure. He had in the past been local government Chairman, State Assembly lawmaker and Senator. He had lost the party ticket to Ihedioha in 2019, but is expected to make a comeback. No doubt, he will give Ihedioha a run for his money.
Chief Jerry Alagbaoso
He is a three time member of the House of Representatives representing Oru East/Orsu/Orlu Federal constituency. A former Customs number two man who has a strong financial war chest. He failed to clinch the Senate ticket for Imo West during the last primaries but is said to be eyeing the Imo Governor’s seat.
Labour Party Aspirants
Whether you admit it or not, Labour Party has gained a strong foothold in Imo State due to the clout of its Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi. Daily, people throng into the party secretariat to register as members, a sign that it is a party to watch in the state.
Chief Martin Agbaso (Ochudo)
He was the 2007 gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) who is presumed to have won the first election before it was cancelled by INEC. He’s elder brother to the first Deputy Governor, Chief Jude Agbaso to then Governor Rochas Okorocha. He currently heads the Peter Obi campaign team for the state. He is expected to make a comeback for the job he has chased for 15 years running.
Chief Uche Nwosu
He was disqualified for being dual governorship candidate of Action Alliance and All Progressive Congress during the 2019 elections. A one time Chief of Staff at the Imo Government House and first son inlaw to former Governor Rochas Okorocha. He is considered a peoples’ person who reaches out irrespective of political differences. He has not declared interest yet but a verified source said Nwosu will test his might using the Labour Party platform.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume
A two-term Senator, he is probably the only Imo politician who has remained a force since 1999 and a serial governorship candidate. His biggest strength is silence, no one ever knows his moves but he is known to spring surprises, which he did in 2007, 2015, 2019 when he was announced as APGA guber candidate while others were waiting for primaries. After he was allegedly denied the plum NNPC board appointment by Governor Uzodimma, political watchers know he will give the Omuma born politician sleepless nights.
Chief David Mbamara
Popularly called Captain by political associates, he is a strong ally of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim. An entrepreneur, who hails from Mbaitoli, he has other financial warlords to contend to clinch the ticket.
Dr Linus Okorie
He is a leadership coach with a huge youth following. He was the gubernatorial candidate of YPP during the 2019 elections in the state and he brought rich discourse to the table. While he is versed in the use of words, his ability to throw money around for support will be a major concern.
Senator Athan Achonu (One Arm General)
A top businessman who had a stint as Senator before the court nullified it. Noted for his frankness, he has billboards scattered across them capital Owerri wherein he admonished people to invest in the state.
Chief Ike C. Ibe
A former Speaker of the state House of Assembly and the preferred successor of then Governor Achike Udenwa but keenly resisted. A lawyer with experience in diplomatic issues, he needs huge political followership to clinch the ticket.
Dr Nnaemeka Obiaraeri
An investment banker and political analyst, at different times he has been a senatorial candidate and deputy governorship candidate in the state. He is very knowledgeable about managing finances.
However, the list is expected to increase as the electioneering process draws closer.
