Elections are expected to hold late in 2022 or in 2023. This makes it imperative for politicians to use 2021 as a year to prepare the grounds.
In Imo state, the political chessboard has been largely dominated by key players, who seem not to be relenting in pursuing their political desires. And they have consistently remained on the front-line of Imo politics, thus they do dictate the pace and tempo.
Governor Hope Uzodinmma, former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba have remained the front line politicians in the State. They are the top five politicians who will shape Imo politics in 2021. They did it in 2019 and 2020.
They call the shots and determine the political compass of the state and there is no indication thus far, that these set of frontline politicians in the state will lower the tempo in 2021.
Governor Uzodimma pulled the biggest stunt in the history of Imo politics, when the Supreme Court installed him as governor and removed Emeka Ihedioha. 2021 will reveal Uzodimma’s political direction and how he runs his government in the coming year will determine his pathway ahead of 2023.
Former Governor Emeka Ihedioha remains a recurring decimal in Imo politics. He has also been on the front-line of Imo politics since 2011 when he rose to become the Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives. There are clear indications that he will battle for the governorship of the state in 2024, having successfully revived the opposition PDP in the State to become more potent and vibrant.
Senator Rochas Okorocha, former governor of the State, is an indispensable political heavyweight in Imo politics.He retains a good chunk of political followers in the state, a year after leaving office as governor. His role in the emergence of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, as candidate of the APC for Imo North Senatorial election, underscores Okorocha’s political flexibility and relevance in Imo politics.
Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, is an old wine in a new bottle and he has bounced back to reckoning in Imo politics considering the role he played to ensure the emergence of his ally, Frank Ibezim, as candidate of the APC for Okigwe senate election. Nwajiuba’s political compass is not clear yet, but one thing is certain- he has emerged a new political force in the state ahead of 2023.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has been proved that he cannot be eclipsed by the murky waters of Imo politics despite several failed political voyages. Araraume has continued to remain a consistent politician, walking where the lions fear and has successfully remained relevant in any political dispensation in the State.
It is yet to be deciphered if 2021 will be Araraume’s political eldorado – that is if he eventually emerges the elected senator for Okigwe senatorial election.
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