As the 2027 governorship race in Imo State begins to stir political waters, strong indicators are emerging that Governor Hope Uzodimma’s successor may likely be drawn from his formidable political structure, CampHope.
Political analysts and insiders close to the corridors of power in the state are increasingly pointing to this group as the inevitable source of Uzodimma’s political heir.
The reasons, they argue, are grounded in loyalty, strategic positioning, and a long history of political synergy.
CampHope, widely regarded as the governor’s political engine room, has not only survived the tumultuous and murky waters of Imo politics but has remained the nucleus of Uzodimma’s power structure since his days in the Senate. It was this same coalition that played a critical role in toppling the influence of former Governor Rochas Okorocha and paving Uzodimma’s path to Douglas House in 2020.
Today, CampHope is more than a support group; it is the very fabric of Uzodimma’s governance architecture. It controls about 80 percent of the state’s key political appointments, from Local Government Chairmen and Councilors to Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants. Its dominance in both the policy and political decision-making processes of the Uzodimma administration is unquestionable.
This entrenched presence is evident in the strategic positions held by CampHope chieftains: Canice Moore Nwachukwu in the House of Representatives; COC Akaolisa, the Commissioner for Justice; Enyinnaya Onuegbu in the Lands Ministry; Ralph Nwosu at the helm of the Works Ministry; Mac Donald Ebere, Imo APC Chairman and Declan Emelumba as the Commissioner for Information. Each of them is more than a political ally—they are Uzodimma’s trusted hands.
The governor’s governance style, defined by a firm belief in rewarding loyalty, further fuels the speculation. Uzodimma has repeatedly demonstrated that fidelity to his cause is a major criterion for political elevation. Given this, insiders argue that the idea of a successor outside CampHope is far-fetched and unlikely to materialize.
Also, there are media reports that CampHope has already begun internal consultations and strategic moves to identify a viable successor. This behind-the-scenes maneuvering is being interpreted as part of a broader game plan to maintain the group’s hold on power, post-Uzodimma.
INNONEWS gathered that another major factor to this evolving story is CampHope’s open skepticism towards the Charter of Equity—an unwritten understanding traditionally used to rotate the governorship among the three zones of the state.
Owerri zone has long championed the Charter as a basis to claim the 2027 slot, but CampHope leaders are pushing back. In fact, Emelumba, one of the camp’s top strategists, recently dismissed the Charter of Equity as “no law,” suggesting it lacks the binding force needed to dictate political succession. Rex Anunobi, another powerful voice within the camp and leader of the Orlu Political Consultative Assembly, echoed similar sentiments, further underscoring the group’s resistance.
Uzodimma himself, while acknowledging the principle of equity, has thrown a caveat into the mix by reminding proponents of the Charter that he still has three years left in office. This was widely interpreted as a signal that the governor is not in a hurry to endorse any succession narrative not driven by his political family.
With the growing political tension and divergent interests ahead of the 2027 elections, all eyes remain on CampHope’s next moves. Through consensus, the group’s choice of could very well determine the next occupant of the Imo State Government House—if their dominance continues unchallenged.