Rumours intensify across Imo State over a purported scheme to lure former governor Emeka Ihedioha and other prominent figures from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the Labour Party (LP).
His political followers under the aegis of Rebuild Imo organization met in Owerri, recently where they called on the former governor to dump the PDP for Labour party.
Ihedioha, a foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is said to be at the center of a swirling vortex of political uncertainty.
Having etched his name in the annals of Imo State’s political history through his tenure as a member of the House of Representatives and subsequent elevation to the Deputy Speaker’s position, analysts contend that Ihedioha’s defection from the PDP to the Labour Party would mark a seismic shift in the political landscape of Imo State.
His ascendancy to the governorship in 2019 which had further solidified his standing within the PDP, will make his potential departure from the opposition party all the more significant.
Prior to the 2023 Imo PDP guber primary, Ihedioha had opted to withdraw from the contest, citing concerns over unfair advantages afforded to his sole opponent and National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Since then, he has maintained a conspicuous silence, leaving pundits and observers to speculate about his next move.
Amidst this uncertainty, whispers of Ihedioha’s potential defection to the Labour Party grow louder, fueled by internal strife within the PDP in the State and a desire for change among the Imo populace.
While Ihedioha’s intentions remain shrouded in mystery, the clamour to switch his allegiance to the Labour Party underscores the deep-seated divisions within the PDP ranks in Imo State.
The PDP was badly depleted last year, with massive defections of key party chieftains, (some of them Ihedioha’s close political allies), including seven members of the State Working Committee, SWC, who crossed over to the ruling APC.
Some PDP stalwarts in the State lament the erosion of goodwill and political capital of the PDP in the state, stating that Ihedioha’s departure will be a symbolic blow to the party’s fortunes.
The Labour Party, had grown in leaps and bounds in Imo State and across the South East geo political zone.
The party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, won in Imo State, while Alex Otti was elected governor of neighbouring Abia State in the 2023 presidential and governorship election..
A grassroots mobilizer and chieftain of the PDP in the State, Hon. Ezenna Okoro has publicly urged Ihedioha to align his political vision with the aspirations of Imo citizens by joining the Labour Party.
Speaking at a news conference in Owerri, Okoro emphasized the need for cohesive leadership and a clear path towards development and well-being for all.
He said “For me, given the fact that Imo PDP has lost its glory, personally like Rt Hon Ihedioha should no longer remain in the party. And when you remember how PDP treated him in the event of the 2023 general elections, Ihedioha has every reason to dump the party long ago”