Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, the former governor of Imo State, has left the political landscape of the state in suspense as he remains indecisive on his next political affiliation since leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in March 2023.
Ihedioha’s resignation from the PDP, where he was a founding member, came after irreconcilable differences with Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary. Their fallout created deep cracks in the PDP’s Imo chapter, forcing him to step aside to prevent further division.
Since his exit, he has refrained from joining another party, leaving his supporters and political observers speculating.
In January 2025, during a meeting with his loyalists under the Rebuild Imo Movement, he assured them that a decision would soon be made. However, he firmly ruled out aligning with a “party with maggots.”
This assurance has yet to materialize into action, fueling questions about why the former governor is delaying his political move almost one year after he left the PDP.
One likely option is the Labour Party (LP). His meeting with Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor elected on the LP platform, had sparked rumours of a possible alliance.
However, the Labour Party’s ongoing leadership crisis at the national level appears to be a major deterrent.
An Owerri based political analyst, Dennis Eke noted the risks associated with such a move.
“Labour Party seems like an alternative, but the current leadership tussle at the national level could make it unappealing for someone like Ihedioha, who seeks stability and structure for his movement,” he said, describing the party as a “political landmine ticking to explode.”
Ihedioha’s hesitation to join a new party has not been without consequences. Key allies, including Dr. Chuma Nnaji and Chris Okewulonu, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further questioning the former governor’s ability to maintain his political network.
Many grassroots supporters of Ihedioha feel politically stranded, with some analysts arguing that his prolonged indecision is eroding his relevance.
A former aide to Ihedioha said “People want clarity and leadership. The longer he waits, the more he risks losing the trust of his supporters and allies.”
Some political observers in Imo State believe that the former deputy speaker of House of Representatives may eventually return to the PDP, given his deep ties to the party and its solid support base in Imo State.
A PDP insider stated, “Ihedioha has the capacity to revive the PDP in Imo and restore its relevance. If he returns and energizes the party, it could dislodge the APC in 2027.”
However, his possible return to the PDP is complicated by his existing strained relationship with Senator Anyanwu. The embattled National Secretary faces a Supreme Court case that could determine his future in the party. A ruling against Anyanwu by the apex court would weaken his influence, creating an opening for Ihedioha to rejoin the PDP.
Anyanwu’s tenure as National Secretary is also set to end in December 2025. This timeline suggests that if Ihedioha waits, he could rejoin the PDP without having to confront his long-time rival. This, many contend, would ensure a level playing field for the party’s 2026 governorship primary ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the question remains whether Ihedioha’s supporters can remain patient until then. Many of his followers are politically stranded and may find it difficult to sustain their commitment without a clear direction.
Also, doubts persist about whether he has the financial resources and wherewithal to sustain his Rebuild Imo Movement until he declares his next political move.
Last week, the uncertainty surrounding Ihedioha’s future deepened when Vin Udokwu, a prominent figure in the Rebuild Imo Movement, dismissed reports that the group had aligned with the Action Peoples Party (APP). Udokwu emphasized that no decision had been made regarding joining any party.
Critics now argue that the prolonged suspense is diminishing Ihedioha’s political value and relevance.
A former aide to the ex governor told INNONEWS last week, “Ihedioha’s silence is beginning to frustrate his supporters. He needs to act swiftly in order to continue to retain their loyalty. Soon, the ruling party will embark on a poaching spree with so many dangling carrots and I wonder how they will resist such offers”
As the political chess game in Imo continues, his next move remains a critical factor. Whether he aligns with the Labour Party, returns to the PDP, or explores a completely new platform, his decision will partly shape the dynamics of the Imo guber 2027 elections.
For now, the former governor remains tight-lipped, keeping both his supporters and adversaries guessing.