Politics of 2023 in Imo State will be intriguing considering the present political development in the State.
Political analysts contend that most political actors in the state have begun early enough to plot their political success in 2023. Already most of them have begun subtle consultations.
The major political parties in the state are not left out, having also begun plans and preparations ahead of 2023.
The All Progressive Congress, APC, had embarked on membership drive across the country, Imo state inclusive.The party in the State, is however plagued by in-fighting and division orchestrated by a faction led by Dan Nwafor. This unsavory development may or may not consume the party ahead of the next election.
For the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the State, it is repositioning itself and recently, it constituted several standing committees to propel the party ahead of 2023.
Though issues bordering on insecurity dominate the landscape, most political actors in the State, have shied away from it to avoid being labeled as sponsors of insecurity in the state. It was not so fortunate for former Governor of Imo State and senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Senator Rochas Okorocha, who was accused by the Imo state government of having a hand in recent security breaches in the State.
Already, the major political parties have come up with their permutations and calculations, which they believe will shape their electoral chances in two years time.
For the PDP, it wallows in the belief that the APC and Hope Uzodimma’s government will continue to fumble and wobble in the State and with time, the image and perception of the party will remain blurred in the eyes of the people.
With internal skirmishes in the party completely exterminated, the PDP hopes that it will earn the sympathy of the Imo electorate for former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, who is expected to fly the party’s governorship flag for a record third time in the 2023 guber polls.
For the APC, the PDP is day dreaming and hullicinating.
Mr. Cajethan Duke, spokesman of the APC in the State had said Uzodimma has overwhelmed the opposition.
He wrote ” Governor Uzodimma has continued to surpass effortlessly the expectations of the people by proving both his critics and opposition elements wrong with his sterling leadership disposition”
Another foreseeable calculation ahead of 2023 in the State is the possibility of an alliance or coalition by “aggrieved politicians” who have fallen out with Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Already, three notable political actors in the State such as former Governor of the State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, are not in good terms with Uzodimma despite the fact they belong to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.
Political analysts who spoke to this newspaper contend that the political dynamics and calculations for 2023 may not necessarily be influenced by political sympathy or an alliance of some political friends, but by comparative assessment of present and past governments in the State.
“I believe the calculation of the Uzodimma government is to use its present achievements particularly in areas of roads construction to impress the people of the State, which the sacked PDP government could not achieve in the past seven months” said Evelyn Umunnakwe, a political analyst, who argued that what will shape politics of 2023 in Imo State will be beyond politics.
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