A political analyst, Mr John Igwe, has said political elites in Imo State seem to be idle, stating that this is the major reason why the 2027 guber race is being discussed in 2024.
This idle status, he contends, is the main driver behind the early discourse around the 2027 governorship race—a debate that has sparked despite Governor Hope Uzodimma having only recently begun his second term.
“I have avoided diving into the 2027 governorship succession talks for two reasons,”
“Firstly, it seems premature to start discussing who will take over from Uzodimma when he is merely ten- eleven months into his second term.”he argued.
Igwe pointed that pushing such discussions at this stage could be interpreted as an effort to hurriedly push Governor Uzodimma out of office, a sentiment, he said that most outgoing governors would naturally resist.
Igwe contends that these proponents and advocates of zoning from Owerri and Okigwe are overlooking crucial factors while drumming the Charter of Equity narrative.
“No major political heavyweight from Owerri or Okigwe zones is likely to succeed Governor Uzodimma in 2027,” he asserted.
According to him, the game of political succession is fierce and complex, and unless the governor himself loses political strength—a scenario that is doubtful—it’s improbable that he will yield to the whims of select individuals or groups.
He acknowledged that Owerri and Okigwe zones have valid grounds for their claims to the governorship in 2027, pointing out that both zones have seen limited time in power since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
However, he emphasized that political power is rarely handed over through appeals to equity.
Igwe contends that succession in politics often favours loyalists who stay close to power rather than high-profile figures with significant political clout.
“The big names and strong political figures rarely benefit from succession battles,” he noted.
He described the Charter of Equity as little more than a “song,” doubting its ability to influence the political trajectory of 2027.
He added that those invoking the Charter of Equity are attempting to pressure the governor into aligning with their agenda, stating that this strategy would crumble.
Igwe described the current discourse on 2027 Guber as indicative of an “idle” political elite whose chief preoccupation appears to be plotting for the next election.
“The dominance of 2027 narratives in 2023 suggests that politics is the largest industry in Imo State, overshadowing other critical development areas
“The outcome of the 2027 governorship election will likely shock everyone and serve as a significant lesson in Imo’s political history. It’s a prophecy.”he noted.