Three years before the next governorship election in Imo State, Owerri Zone is witnessing a frenzy of political ambitions among top politicians who want to vie to succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The Imo Charter of Equity, a venerable document crafted by the State Council of Elders to ensure the seamless rotation of power among the state’s three zones, is fueling these ambitions.
Also, Governor Uzodimma’s assurance that his successor will come from Owerri Zone has emboldened his allies within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to begin nurturing gubernatorial intentions, sparking a frenzy of ambitions even when the contest is three years away.
Uzodimma’s promise had injected hope among governorship hopefuls from the zone that they stand a chance to be his chosen sucessor.
Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, not from Owerri zone, is also alleged to be gearing up to stage a comeback to office, following relentless pursuit by his kinsmen in Okigwe zone to kick-start the Charter of Equity.
Outside the APC fold, politicians like former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, rumoured to be contemplating a move to the Labour Party (LP), is eyeing the governorship with less regard for the Charter of Equity’s principles.
Ihedioha’s political structure, the Rebuild Imo movement, stands as a formidable force, supported by a vast network of loyalists and associates.
Analysts assert Ihedioha’s clear intent to vie for the governorship in 2027 sharply contrasts with other aspirants in the APC, whose ambitions remain veiled in secrecy at the moment.
Key governorship hopefuls among Governor Uzodimma’s allies from Owerri zone remain elusive, as they prefer to maintain a low profile “until when the time is right”
However, a prominent public office holder from Owerri North LGA, strongly backed by a formidable female politician within the zone, is said to be very interested in the race.
If he decides to join the guber contest as speculated, he will be a major contender considering his vast political pedigree and exposure.
But sources told INNONEWS that he is outside the Governor’s political enclave, unless he makes an immediate switch before the end of the year. He has been seen lately attending State government functions.
Three others, a one time senatorial contestant, one time House of Reps aspirant and one Real Estate magnate are speculated to be interested. They are Uzodimma’s close political allies from Owerri zone.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has no clear signs of would-be governorship aspirants from Owerri zone temporarily, but speculations suggest Senator Samuel Anyanwu may decide to run again if his legal battle challenging Uzodimma’s re-election does not succeed.