Some influential figures or politicians in Owerri zone, especially in the All Progressives Congress, APC are clandestinely harbouring aspirations to assume the governorship of Imo State in 2027, INNONEWS can authoritatively reveal.
With three years remaining to the next gubernatorial election in the State, it has come to light that these individuals have begun covert maneuvers to advance their ambitions.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, set to conclude his second and final term in January 2028, had before the November 11, 2023 governorship election which he won, pledged to hand over the reins of power to Owerri zone, in line with the Imo Charter of Equity, which mandates the rotation of the governorship of the state among the three geopolitical zones.
Within the ranks of his party, some of his confidants, friends and associates from Owerri zone have commenced efforts to vie for the gubernatorial seat.
Some have already laid the groundwork to assess their viability and capacity to first secure the backing of the governor at the appropriate time, whom they deem as the one who will decide or choose his successor within the party.
Insiders’ privy to these developments revealed to INNONEWS last week, that those interested are cautiously optimistic, keeping their aspirations under wraps for now, as they closely observe and monitor the Governor’s stance, knowing that his endorsement could significantly sway the succession dynamics.
A reliable source disclosed to this newspaper, “In the APC circles in Owerri zone, it’s evident that thus far, five of Governor Uzodimma’s allies in the zone are keenly interested to be his successor.
“One hails from Owerri Municipal, three from Owerri North LGA, and one from Ngor Okpala LGA. We hear another fellow from Mbaise is also warming up. Before the end of this year, more of them will spring up.
“A prominent and influential political figure, previously affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but now with the APC and working closely with the Governor, is actively advocating for the candidacy of a prominent figure from Owerri zone, who is poised to make a switch to the ruling APC when the conditions are favourable.
“He is perceived as steadfast and untarnished, enjoys popularity within Owerri zone and posses significant acceptance in Okigwe and Orlu zones”he said.
Top aides of Governor Uzodimma declined to comment on these emerging dynamics and political development within the APC in Owerri zone, asserting that discussions about the 2027 Imo governorship race are premature with the contest still three years away.
Emphasizing the current priority of the Governor’s success in implementing his programmes and policies for the state, one such aide, a newly appointed Special Adviser, refrained from engaging the subject matter with this newspaper, citing the early stage of the political discourse.