With less than two years to the 2027 gubernatorial election in Imo State, a curious political dynamic is emerging: some governorship aspirants have yet to declare allegiance to any political party. This unusual trend has ignited speculation and debate among political analysts, stakeholders, and the electorate in the State.
Leading the list of unaligned political heavyweights is former Governor, Emeka Ihedioha. Having resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, Ihedioha has remained conspicuously silent about his political future.
Despite his reticence, he has been seen attending events organized by groups lobbying for a coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. These appearances have fueled speculation about his next political move.
Equally intriguing is Mazi Chima Amadi, a rising political figure in the state and head of The Mazi Organization (TMO). Widely tipped as a gubernatorial contender in 2027, Amadi has unveiled a comprehensive blueprint for governance, dubbed the “SEE Document.” This ambitious plan outlines his vision for transforming Imo State but stops short of specifying the political platform through which he intends to pursue his ambition.
Attempts to gain clarity from Amadi’s spokesperson, Mr. Cajethan Duke, have been unsuccessful. Questions put across to him for response was unanswered. This silence has left many wondering whether Amadi’s reluctance to align with a political party is a calculated move or a strategic misstep.
“In a system heavily dependent on party machinery, such ambiguity could be politically perilous,” remarked Dr. Nkem Anayo, a respected political analyst based in Owerri.
Barrister Success Akagburuonye, a former gubernatorial candidate under the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in 2019, has also kept his intentions veiled. Despite persistent rumors of a renewed guber bid in 2027, Akagburuonye has refrained from making any formal announcements about his political affiliation. However, a close associate disclosed that he is currently a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
Charles Orie, a former Managing Director of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) under Governor Hope Uzodimma, has emerged as another interested contender. While Orie claims he enjoys substantial support from the Imo diaspora community, he has yet to associate his ambition with any political party despite the fact he served as ISOPADEC MD in an APC led state government.
This wave of non-committal politicking has drawn sharp criticism from political analysts and observers.
“The electorate deserves clarity, not ambiguity, especially when the stakes are so high for Imo State,” said Dr. Ferdinand Anayom a Public Affairs analyst.
“This situation is either a sign of a bold shift in political strategy or a risky gamble.” he said.
Uche Igwe, a civil society advocate based in Owerri, emphasized the indispensability of political parties in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“Political parties provide the structure and resources needed for success, “It’s not enough to have ideas; you need the means and the platform to execute them.”Igwe argued
Evans Onuoha, a political commentator, told INNONEWS that this trend could signal a shift toward a new political culture.
“Some aspirants might be exploring a broader coalition or testing their popularity beyond party boundaries. However, it’s a high-stakes gamble that might alienate core party supporters.” he said,
In contrast, Nnanna Okereke, a lecturer in political science, expressed skepticism.
“Nigeria’s political system is inherently tied to party structures. Any aspirant who delays declaring his or her platform risks losing critical time and resources needed to build a strong campaign.”Okereke told this newspaper.
Ephraim Anyasodor, a public affairs analyst, struck a middle ground. “While the lack of party affiliation might seem risky, it could also be a strategy to avoid early antagonism from opponents
“The key lies in how well these aspirants can balance their independence with the realities of party politics.”he explained.
Hon Obinna Onwudiwe, a political science lecturer said the lack of clarity has begun to cast doubts on the preparedness and seriousness of these aspirants. He warned that further delays in declaring party affiliations could erode their credibility and weaken their chances in the 2027 guber election which would be fiercely contested.
As Imo’s political atmosphere grows increasingly charged, the pressure mounts on these aspirants to declare their political affiliations and unveil their strategies.
“In a state where political dynamics can shift rapidly, the coming months or next year will reveal whether this unconventional approach is a masterstroke or a miscalculation. For now, the State’s political landscape remains a chessboard of uncertainties, with aspirants gambling on strategies that could either propel them to power or leave them in the shadows” Onwudiwe concluded.
