The Presidential election in Nigeria is barely few days away. In Imo State, the contest is a straight one between APC presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
There have been several predictions on which of the two candidates will carry the day in the State. But as days draw close, none of the candidates can convincingly say they will win the votes in Imo State.
Buhari stands a big chance of winning the State. Despite the internal rift in the ruling APC, all the contending forces are rooting for the President’s re election. Both the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha and the APC Governorship candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma are united in the task of ensuring victory for the President. Both have monumental capacity to deliver the President.
Okorocha and Uzodinma will surely part ways during the governorship and State Assembly elections.
The Governor is supporting his son in law, Uche Nwosu who is the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, AA after losing the APC governorship ticket to Uzodinma.
Buhari will certainly reap support from Uche Nwosu’s AA who had assured the President of one million votes. Another layer of support for Buhari is coming from several other political parties including the United Progressive party, UPP which had adopted the President as it’s presidential candidate.
All these will count in Buhari’s favour during Saturday’s vote.
For Atiku, the PDP candidate, his party knows the importance of ensuring victory for the former Vice President during the presidential election.
The PDP has been very strong and highly rejuvenated in Imo and will certainly strive to ensure that Atiku carries the day on Saturday.
Public perception and opinion tilts in Atiku’s favour in Imo perhaps due to his programmes which centered on job creation and providing employment for thousands of jobless Youths in the State.
The party has well organized structures across the State and at the moment is devoid of any serious rancour and acrimony that will rob it victory.
Pundits argue that any of the presidential candidates that will win the presidential election will have a huge effect on the governorship election.
Verdict
Buhari – 55#
Atiku – 45#