There is intense pressure on a seasoned economist from Owerri zone to run for the 2027 Imo governorship race, INNONEWS can authoritatively reveal.
According to multiple sources familiar with the development, the economist cum politician, is said to be persuaded by some prominent persons in Owerri zone in Diaspora to take a shot at the governorship race.
The source who spoke to INNONEWS from New Haven, Connecticut in the United States anonymously claimed that the guber hopeful is a top stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, APC and a close ally of President Bola Tinubu.
Alluding reasons why pressure is on the economic guru to join the guber race, the source said some notable Owerri sons and daughters based abroad believe that the zone must show more “visibility” in its quest to produce Governor Hope Uzodimma’s sucessor, and not solely rely on the Governor’s promise to hand over to the zone in line with the Imo Charter of Equity
“We are concerned that not one person from Owerri zone has shown interest in the 2027 Imo governorship race either by proxy or by whatever means,”
“Okigwe zone is showing interest in the race, and they are not pretending about it. They are very serious despite the fact the contest is three years away” he said.
According to him, former governor Ikedi Ohakim is interested in taking over from Governor Uzodimma and his political foot soldiers even in Owerri zone and beyond are actively pushing his guber ambition in the media, attempting to change the narrative against the Imo Charter of Equity.
“There is so much done in the media to change the narrative against Owerri zone to aid the former governor’s aspiration. Infact, Ohakim is the face of Okigwe zone agitation for Imo governorship in 2027” he noted.
The source further lamented the complacency of politicians from Owerri zone about the 2027 guber project.
“There is so much complacency on the part of those from Owerri zone who want to take over from Uzodimma. It is unthinkable to hear that some of them are saying that it is early to indicate interest in the contest.
“They are afraid of the Governor, waiting for his approval to either indicate interest or not especially those of them in the APC.
“That is the major flaw with some politicians from Owerri zone, except former governor Emeka Ihedioha who is not pretending about his governorship ambition in 2027 despite the fact he does not belong to any political party at the moment.
“They do not know how to take the bull by the horn., and this is what some of us as key players in Owerri zone based abroad want to correct.
“But I can tell you for free that someone with pedigree from the zone has been found. He can be the figure head for the Owerri zone guber agitation, the same way, Ohakim is the arrow head of Okigwe zone clamour for Imo governorship in 2027 even when he is not favoured by the Imo Charter of Equity.
“He is well known, unblemished, solid, educationally qualified, a globe trotter, mentally alert, and sound. He is not a political novice, and he is one of the major financiers of the APC when it was formed in 2014.
“He understands the problems of Imo State, he will transform this State. An economist who gave workable economic advise via consultancy to the U.S, France and Spanish governments. He is exposed and he is a major player in the United States energy sector.
The source further emphasized that his acceptance to run would be a game-changer for Owerri zone’s chances in the governorship race in 2027.
“This is the reason we have contacted this prominent Owerri zone son. He is the only one who can propel Owerri zone to eldorado. He is quiet but not silent, and we pray he consents to our plea.
According to him, meetings were held in London and Houston, Texas, in the U.S early this month to discuss his potential candidacy by some select group of Owerri zone indigenes based in Diaspora.
“Another round of discussions will be held between now and the end of July to further increase the intensity of the lobby on this great son of Owerri zone and Imo State” the source revealed.
“We are hopeful that he will answer this clarion call and give Owerri zone a sense of direction and purpose as the 2027 Imo governorship race draws near” he concluded.