Political activities in Imo State have intensified as key figures and aspirants eyeing the 2027 governorship election use the yuletide season to strengthen alliances and strategize.
The festive period has provided a perfect backdrop for high-level consultations, grassroots engagements, and the formation of support structures.
Reports indicate that a top politician from Mbaise, who is rumored to be interested in the governorship race, has been holding high-level meetings with political allies and stakeholders.
These meetings, according to sources, are aimed at positioning him as a leading contender for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Adding to the intrigue, two influential political figures and former allies of ex-Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Chris Okewulonu and Chuma Nnaji, recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move has been described by political analysts as a significant realignment and part of many other dynamics which will play out ahead of the polls.
A political observer who spoke to INNONEWS said “Chris and Chuma’s defection to the APC signals a major shift in the political dynamics of the State.
“It shows that alliances are being recalibrated well ahead of the 2027 election.”he said.
Meanwhile, another governorship hopeful from Okigwe Zone has reportedly been holding meetings with close allies, both within and outside his zone.
These meeting, this newspaper was told focused on building a formidable campaign structure that can withstand the intense guber competition expected in 2027.
Support for an Owerri Zone candidate has also gained momentum, with several advocacy groups using the yuletide to solidify their presence.
The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), a prominent group championing the cause, held a strategic session at the country home of its founder and president, Emmanuel Okwu.
A source who attended the OZAC meeting revealed that the group outlined key measures to mobilize support for their cause in 2025.
“We are committed to ensuring that Owerri Zone produces the next governor of Imo State,”
“Our strategy includes grassroots mobilization and active engagement with critical stakeholders across the state.” the source said.
In addition to strategic meetings, some aspirants have also used the yuletide to launch empowerment programs aimed at winning public support.
One intending guber aspirant, from Ngor Okpala LGA, organized a youth empowerment initiative where several young people received tools and funding to kickstart small businesses.
Observers note that these empowerment programmess, while beneficial, also serve as subtle campaign strategies for aspirants seeking to connect with the electorate ahead of the official electioneering period.
The ruling APC has also been strengthening its structures in preparation for the upcoming elections.
Party insiders suggest that Governor Hope Uzodimma is keen on consolidating his influence to ensure his party retains control of the state in 2027.
There are strong indications that within the APC, Uzodimma will determine and influence who picks the party’s governorship ticket and eventually emerge his sucessor.
However, Political analysts predict that the 2027 Imo governorship race will be fiercely contested.
“What we are seeing now is just the tip of the iceberg,” said an analyst who spoke to INNONEWS
