The race for the 2027 Imo governorship election has begun, with various groups and political players already making moves to position themselves for the contest.
This development comes despite the economic hardship and biting hunger affecting Imo State and the country at large.
Many have expressed concern that the incumbent Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has just started his second term and should be given the necessary support and time to govern the state.
However, INNONEWS gathered that several groups and individuals particularly from Owerri and Okigwe zones, have begun early preparations for the governorship election to hold in 2027.
The Imo Harmony Project, led by former Minister of Interior, Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho, announced its resolve to ensure Owerri zone produces the next governor in line with the Imo Charter of Equity.
But the Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA) has kicked against the Imo Harmony Project, describing their actions as “time bad” and a distraction to Governor Hope Uzodimma, who has just commenced his second term in office.
According to Rex Anunobi, President of OPOCA, “What the governor deserves at this moment is nothing but the total support of all Imolites to enable the Governor consolidates on the gains of his first term achievements geared towards taking Imo to a higher level of development and economic prosperity.”
Okigwe zone is also making strong claims to the Imo governorship, with several groups arguing that the zone should produce the next governor of the state in line with the Charter of Equity.
However, analysts argue that politics and the 2027 Imo governorship are not the priority of the majority of Imo people at this time.
According to Mr. Felix Anyanwu, a policy analyst, “We are not interested in who takes over from Uzodimma for now. This is not the time for politics. This is the time for Imolites to see real governance and end the hardship in the country and the state.”
“There is hunger everywhere, and some people are busy telling us about 2027. The immediate concern now is to compel the APC government at the Federal and State levels to take urgent action and remedy the worsening economic situation in the state and in the country,” Anyanwu added.
A group, Imo Awareness Coalition, has argued that any zone or individual who wants to take over from Uzodimma should support the governor at the moment to tackle the present economic hardship Imolites are undergoing.
According to Hon James Onukwugha, spokesman of the group, “Every politician likes early preparations for any serious election contest, but for Christ’s sake, nobody is willing to listen to any of these political issues for now.”
“They are not our priority. In fact, Imolites are not ready to listen to anyone who wants to take over from the governor. What is paramount is how to solve or resolve this horrendous economic situation in the state and the country,” Onukwugha stated.