Since the advent of democracy in 1999, Imo State has been a theater of political drama where unusual political events and dynamics shape the outcome of its governorship election.
This is why it is the only State in the country two governors were elected through a run off election. Rochas Okorocha in 2011 rose to power a after a supplementary election and in 2015, he won a supplementary election defeating a fierce contender, Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP.
Imo is the only State in Nigeria minority political parties have clinched power,the PPA and APGA. PPA the political party that catapulted Ikedi Ohakim to power. Ohakim was a beneficiary of hot political blows and rough tackles which tore the political elites in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to shreds.
The PDP was in power then, it was the party to beat and it’s inability to produce a candidate paved the way for then less fancied PPA to cruise to victory.
In 2011, Rochas Okorocha’s several political voyage became successful when he pitched tenth with another minority political party, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, a party he later dumped for the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.
2019 election in the State is already showing signs of some political dynamics. some minority political parties are gaining strength. Name them, the UPP, AA, SDP, YDP and others.
The ongoing political somersaults in Imo State as the 2019 governorship elections draws near is indeed an interesting scenario. The ruling party’s governorship candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma does not have the support of the sitting Governor but relies strongly on the strength of his candidature.
The Governor’s choice candidate, his son in law, Uche Nwosu is pursuing his ambition in the Action Alliance, AA while Okorocha stays put in the APC. As it stands, the dynamics puts more confusion on the electorate who seem to watch in awe the political gymnastics exhibited by politicians ahead of the 2019 election.
Observers closely wonder how Governor Okorocha of the APC will campaign for a candidate in another political party. It will also be interesting to watch how some of Okorocha’s men who picked tickets in the APC will join the campaign train of Senator Hope Uzodinma, the governorship candidate of the party.
It would also be interesting to watch the impact of a breakaway faction named the N Imo PDP on the candidature of its governorship candidate, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.
In APGA, aggrieved candidates displeased with the conduct of the party primary have dispersed like kindergarten. Zonal sentiments like a recurring decimal have refused to go away. Each of the three zones have lined up candidates in the major political parties setting the stage for a fierce contest.
Indeed as the scenario unfolds, who wins the Imo governorship election remains a puzzle. Infact it is anybody’s game.
*ADVERTISEMENTS*
