Two former governors of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim and Emeka Ihedioha, are making early preparations to succeed incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma when his second and final term expires in January 2028.
Ohakim, who governed Imo State from 2007-2011, is leading the charge for Okigwe zone to produce Uzodimma’s successor, in line with the Imo Charter of Equity.
The Charter is designed by the Imo State Council of Elders.
It is aimed at ensuring seamless rotation of the governorship among the three zones in the State.
Multiple sources told INNONEWS that Ohakim, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is the arrowhead of Okigwe zone’s agitation to produce the next governor, on the basis that the zone is yet to complete two terms of eight years since the return of democracy in 1999.
Ohakim’s supporters and prominent individuals from Okigwe zone are strongly pushing for the candidacy of the former governor.
He is yet to publicly acknowledge that he is preparing to take over from Uzodimma.
A group, Imo Peoples Mandate, IPM, had reportedly endorsed him for the 2027 guber race.
But the group in a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Collins Opuruozor, swiftly denied the endorsement, saying it has not endorsed any governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship polls.
Aside Okigwe, Owerri zone is also putting up strong claims to Imo governorship in 2027.
Several groups in the zone, such as Imo Harmony Project, Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition, OZAC, are agitating relentlessly for the seat on the grounds that since 1999, the zone governed the State for only seven months.
Emeka Ihedioha from Owerri zone had spent seven months in office before he was sacked by the Supreme Court, which replaced him with Senator Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Ihedioha already has his sights set on returning to Government House, Owerri, and has recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pursue his ambition.
He is expected to join the Labour Party, along with thousands of his loyalists who left the PDP with him recently.
Last week, Ihedioha met with Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the only South East governor elected on the Labour Party platform, a move seen as strategic to his cross over to the Labour Party soon.