As the November 11, 2023 governorship election draws near, Governor Hope Uzodimma, has been told not be deceived by the deluge of endorsements by political elites and several groups in the State.
Some political analysts in the State who spoke to INNONEWS in Owerri, argued that such endorsements do not translate to votes during elections.
One of the analyst, Mr. Obinna Igwe, advised the governor “to go round the State, campaign, feel the pulse of the people of the State and do not rely on individual or group endorsements.
“There are things he can point to and say he has done, such as road projects and many others. Those things, are his unique selling points he can use during the campaigns to convince the people why he deserves a second tenure.
“These endorsements coming back and forth from big time politicians in the state, is not a reflection of acceptance.
“Bola Tinubu was endorsed by all the political big names in Lagos State before the presidential election, yet he lost Lagos to Peter Obi of the Labour party.
“These politicians and groups who are endorsing the governor have no political base.Most of them cannot win elections in their booths or wards, except they resort to unconventional means such as rigging.
“The governor should be watchful, because a lot has changed in Imo politics, much as we know he has a lot of political experience to scale to victory.
“Most political elites in Imo State have lost electoral value. They cannot influence voters in their various domains. Nobody listens to them anymore because the people have lost faith in them” he said.
Hon Cyracus Amadi, a chieftain of the APC in the State, argued that big names in Imo politics, are “losing political steam and relevance”
“The era of one big political masquerade calling the shots in his or her community is over.
“The level of political awareness in the State is overwhelming. Those who are buying up pages of newspapers for adverts, endorsing the governor should go beyond newspaper endorsement and work for his success.
He however expressed confidence that Uzodimma will win the November 11 guber election despite the odds.
Mr Henry Ekpe, an Owerri based senior journalist, in his article,“2023 Imo Guber, And The Unforeseen Factors” said governorship elections in the state are keenly vied for, and incumbents face a herculean task to scale through.
He wrote “In 2007, Udenwa was wrestled to the ground that he could not even produce his chosen successor.
“In 2011, Conspirators plotted against Ohakim, and he could not get a second term.
“In 2019, Uzodinma, Ihedioha and others made sure that Okorocha’s plans to foist his Son- inlaw, Chief Uche Nwosu, on Imo people, as his successor failed.
“In January 14, 2020, Governor Uzodinma pushed Ihedioha out from the Government House just after Seven Months, through the Supreme Court.
“Now, we are here. What will happen?
“Nearly all the prominent politicians in Imo State have emptied into APC, standing behind Uzodinma and singing his praises. Will Big Men win it for him?