Owerri-based political analyst, Elder John Igwe has declared that no political heavyweight will succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma in 2027.
According to Igwe, the era of big political players taking over the leadership of the State is over, and loyalists within the governor’s camp are more likely to ascend to power.
In an article he sent to INNONEWS, Igwe criticized ongoing discussions about Uzodimma’s succession, describing them as premature and distracting.
“Those pushing the narrative of succession so early seem to be in a hurry. No outgoing governor will dance to such early political tantrums.” he wrote.
Igwe dismissed the influence of the Imo Charter of Equity, which advocates for power rotation among the state’s three zones.
While acknowledging the historical marginalization of Owerri and Okigwe zones, he insisted that grievances alone cannot determine the next governor.
“The truth is, no big political masquerade from Owerri or Okigwe Zone will succeed Governor Uzodimma in 2027. All the political big names vying for succession will fail. Succession is a fierce game, and unless the governor loses political momentum—which I highly doubt—he will not bow to the whims of individuals or groups. He will choose, determine and influence who takes over from him.” he added.
Igwe argued that political power is earned through loyalty and strategy, not entitlement or agitation.
“Power is not given on the altar of political gymnastics. Uzodimma’s loyalists and core friends are better positioned to rise to power than political heavyweights, both those inside and outside his camp. Those who do the political errands and remain loyal within the corridors of power are the ones who easily rise to political elevation” he wrote.
He also dismissed the current emphasis on the Imo Charter of Equity, describing it as ineffective. He expressed skepticism about the relevance of the Charter despite assurances by Uzodimma that it would guide his choice of successor.
“The Imo Charter of Equity is a mere song. Those blowing the trumpet of the Charter of Equity hope to arm-twist the governor with it, but such strategies have always failed and will fail again irrespective of the fact that he has voiced his support for it. Nothing is cast on stone in the game of power and noting is certain in the politics of succession” he stressed.
Igwe criticized the early focus on the 2027 governorship race as a sign of political idleness among elites.
“The dominance of 2027 governorship discussions in 2024/2025 shows that our political elites are idle. With politics as the state’s biggest ‘industry,’ it’s no surprise that such narratives are taking center stage this early.” he added.
He stated that Uzodimma will break the jinx of no outgoing Imo governor successfully producing a successor.
“Former Governors Udenwa and Okorocha failed to deliver their handpicked successors because they lacked the political strength to fend off the intense and fierce opposition at the time. Currently, however, the opposition in Imo is weak, fragmented, and disunited, which creates a favourable environment for Uzodimma and the ruling party to push a successor into Government House come 2027, despite their limited mass appeal,” he concluded.
