Several prominent politicians in Imo State are eyeing the formation of a new mega party that could challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Amid growing discontent with the APC, there is increasing speculation that such a mega party could dramatically alter the political dynamics in Imo in 2027.
A recent meeting between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra Governor, Peter Obi in Yola, Adamawa State in December had parked widespread discussion, particularly among political insiders, who believe that it could signal the early formation of a coalition capable of breaking the APC’s stronghold in the country.
And to further confirm the coming of a mega party, a top aide of the former Vice President confirmed in a post on X on Friday that the mega party deal has been ‘sealed’.
Sources close to some governorship aspirants in Imo State revealed that these politicians are actively exploring the possibility of aligning with a new political platform, one that would present an alternative to the APC’s entrenched position in the state under Governor Hope Uzodimma.
According to these insiders, the new party would aim to level the playing field, offering the governorship aspirants a fairer shot at the governorship seat in 2027.
One of the aspirants, who spoke on the condition of anonymity and has been erecting political structure across the state to oil his ambition, told INNONEWS that the challenge of securing the APC’s governorship ticket in Imo will be a major task.
He contends that Uzodimma will work to ensure his preferred successor emerges from within the ruling party, thus making it difficult for other candidates to contest for the party’s ticket. According to him, this uncertainty seem to have prompted several key figures to seek out alternative political avenues.
Political analysts also point to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo, where Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary, holds significant sway.
Anyanwu’s influence within the state’s PDP apparatus is seen as a major barrier to anyone else seeking the party’s ticket in 2027 despite the fact he is battling to retain his position while his tenure officially ends in December 2025. At the moment, the control he exerts over the party structure has left many aspiring politicians with limited opportunities within the PDP in the State.
Former Governor of Imo, Emeka Ihedioha, is a notable figure who has distanced himself from the PDP following irreconcilable differences with Senator Anyanwu.
Ihedioha’s departure from the party, which saw Anyanwu secure the PDP’s governorship ticket for the 2023 election, left the former governor without a political home. While Ihedioha briefly aligned himself with the Labour Party (LP), the rising prospect of a mega party may have stymied his plans and put his move to LP on hold.
Alongside Ihedioha, other prominent politicians from Imo State who harbour governorship ambitions are also looking for a way to further their goals outside the APC or PDP.
These politicians, including a former senator, are now turning their attention to the potential of a new mega party at the national level, hoping it will provide the platform they need to pursue their aspirations.
A top politician in the state who spoke to this newspaper said that a merger between the PDP, LP, NNPP and other like-minded parties could create a powerful alternative to the APC in 2027.
“If we come together, we will offer a credible challenge to the APC, which many people believe has inflicted pain and suffering on the Nigerian people,” he said,
