A political analyst, Hon Ephraim Ekeigwe, has revealed the strategy Governor Hope Uzodimma would use to choose his preferred successor from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Speaking to INNONEWS in Owerri, Ekeigwe analyzed the outcome of the APC primary for Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates held last week, saying it indicates how Uzodimma’s successor would be chosen from the party.
Governor Hope Uzodimma had before the Primary election said he preferred the consensus method in selecting candidates for the party in the September 21 local government election.
“The consensus method used by the governor and the APC to select candidates for the local government election is a clear mirror to see how his preferred choice of successor would emerge from his party in 2027,” Ekeigwe said.
He noted that Uzodimma prioritizes loyalty to him and the party in his key and major political decisions.
“Those from Owerri zone and Okigwe zone in the APC who want to succeed him in 2027, should see that he is a good political schemer and a stickler of loyalty,” Ekeigwe warned.
Ekeigwe observed that the 27 Chairmanship candidates, mostly current Sole Administrators of the 27 local governments, are Uzodimma’s loyalists.
“He understands the power of loyalty, and this is the same yardstick he will use to select a successor in 2027. Mark my words,” Ekeigwe declared.
He pointed out that zoning was ignored in some local governments in selecting candidates because loyalty took precedence.
“This puts to question the veracity of the Imo Charter of Equity. The consensus method may even supersede the Charter in handpicking a preferred successor” Ekeigwe stated
He noted that the APC and Uzodimma would likely use the same consensus method to choose a governorship candidate in 2027.
“Nothing will change from now to 2027. This same consensus method, which simply implies hand-picking of candidates, would be the same method in getting the governor’s preferred successor in 2027,” he said.
“One thing is certain – Uzodimma’s loyalty card would play a significant role in determining his successor. Zoning may be a secondary or no consideration at all” he concluded.