The apparent political rivalry that once dominated the landscape of Imo State politics seems to have taken a back seat as the November 11, 2023, Governorship election approaches.
After Senator Rochas Okorocha’s departure from the governor’s office in 2019 and the subsequent assumption of office by Senator Hope Uzodinma, a tense and frosty relationship between the two political camps had prevailed, often resulting in clashes between the present administration and the Okorocha family.
However, a recent development suggests that the tides are turning. It is rumored that discussions for reconciliation were initiated, likely triggered by the visit of President Bola Tinubu, known for his peacemaking prowess.
While the details of this reported reconciliation remain undisclosed, a significant shift in the political dynamics occurred during the launch of Uzodinma’s Governorship Campaign in Owerri yesterday.
At the airport reception for Alhaji Shetimma, the Vice President representing the president and APC party leader, Senator Okorocha was notably present. This is a stark departure from the past, where Okorocha and his associates had avoided events associated with Uzodinma’s administration.
Moreover, Senator Okorocha’s son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, who had contested the 2019 Governorship election, was also in attendance. Their public exchange of pleasantries at the airport reception not only raised eyebrows but also marked a significant turning point in their relationship. It was the first time they openly acknowledged one another, signifying a new beginning in their affiliation with the APC in Imo State.
Photographs captured at the scene vividly depicted Uzodinma’s apparent happiness at meeting with Okorocha and his son-in-law, and the body language of the Governor and his supporters indicated a genuine sense of joy at the reconciliation and the prospects it holds for the political landscape in Imo State.