Imo 2027: Why Uzodimma’s Allies, Appointees Steer Clear Of Succession Talks

This report examines Governor Hope Uzodimma’s firm warning against succession discussions within his camp, which has created a notable silence among allies and appointees in Imo State, in stark contrast to the vibrant political activities in Lagos State

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Governor Hope Uzodimma’s firm warning against succession discussions within his camp has created a notable silence among his allies and appointees in Imo State, despite simmering political interests and ambitions.

Uzodimma, whose tenure expires in 2028, had stated clearly during a meeting with stakeholders’ from Owerri zone in March 2025 at Douglas House that he does not want distractions, emphasizing his focus on the three years left in his administration.

His declaration has particularly impacted the political atmosphere in Owerri Zone, where the Imo Charter of Equity favours the emergence of the next governor.

Many of the governor’s allies, associates and appointees from the zone, some of whom harbour intense governorship ambitions within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, have refrained from openly indicating interest due to Uzodimma’s stance.

In contrast, the situation in Lagos State provides an intriguing parallel. Succession discussions are already gaining momentum, with political blocs, appointees, and prominent figures openly engaging in consultations. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also completes his second and final term in 2027, has seen a flurry of political activity around his eventual replacement.

Notable political figures in Lagos State such as Hon. Abike Dabiri, Chairperson of the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, Abiodun Ogunleye, a former deputy governor under Tinubu’s administration, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamiala, former Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, the President Tinibu’s son, Seyi, have been at the forefront of consultations preparing for a governorship bid.

Discussions have also highlighted the dominance of certain zones, with four consecutive governors—Tinubu, Fashola, Ambode, and Sanwo-Olu—hailing from Lagos Island and Epe. This dynamic has further fueled agitations among other zones in Lagos, particularly the Ikorodu and Badagry blocs or zones, which feel sidelined in the state’s power-sharing formula.

In contrast, Imo State has shown little to no visible activity around the 2028 succession race. Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, from Okigwe Zone, remains the most prominent figure openly linked to aspirations for the governorship race. His recent intense media visibility in the state has been interpreted as a build-up to the governorship race, though no official declaration has been made.

Adding to the silence in Imo is a growing sense of caution among Uzodimma’s appointees and allies who may be nursing guber ambitions. For instance, the Commissioner of Lands and Physical Planning, Enyinna Onuegbu, recently distanced himself from any governorship aspirations for now, urging political analysts and writers in the State to exclude his name from any permutations.

He wrote “That I hereby forswear any alleged governorship ambition. That I have not and will not mandate any person or group to purport on my behalf, any propagation of an intention, to be aspiring for the governorship election presently.

“That the only political ambition I have now is to concentrate on my present status as an appointee in the Cabinet of His Excellency, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma CON, Governor of Imo State and my benefactor, to whom I remain loyal and eternally grateful for my political progress, and deliver on his expectations from my official duties” he stated.

His statement, this newspaper observed reflects a broader apprehension among other appointees of the administration, who fear the possibility of dismissal if they step out of line.

Last month, the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, C.O.C. Akaolisa, was dismissed just weeks after making a bold statement asserting that Governor Uzodimma’s successor must come from Camp Hope, the governor’s political family.

Akaolisa had also strongly advocated for Owerri zone to produce the next governor, while accusing Maurice Iwu, the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of obstructing Martin Agbaso from Owerri zone by canceling the 2007 governorship election midway.

Though inside sources say Akaolisa’s dismissal was not linked to his political position or statement, another claim though unverified said he was shown the exit door for his alleged secret political romance with a known political adversary of the governor from Owerri zone who is nursing a guber ambition.

Unlike Lagos, where political ambition thrives even in the shadow of the incumbent, Imo’s political space, especially within the ruling APC at the moment appears tightly controlled by Uzodimma’s pronouncement he made at the meeting with Owerri zone stakeholders .

His allies in the APC, particularly those in Owerri Zone, seem to be treading carefully, perhaps mindful of the risks of defying his directive. Observers attribute the cautious approach of appointees and allies who are nursing governorship ambition to the latter’s reputation for maintaining strict control over his political space. This has effectively stifled open succession discussions, creating a stark contrast to the vibrant pre-election politicking already observed in Lagos State.

Some political analysts who spoke to INNONEWS argue that Uzodimma’s present stance could be a strategy to prevent distractions, to enable him focus on the task of governance. Another of school of thougt disagree, saying it is a clear means of consolidating power until the last possible moment.

Either way, his allies are playing it safe, prioritizing loyalty and political survival over premature ambition. As political actors in Lagos navigate early succession race marked by open declarations and consultations, Imo remains in a holding pattern, awaiting Uzodimma’s eventual signals, especially for his appointees, allies or associates interested in succeeding him.

“Whether this strategy ultimately benefits or hinders Uzodimma’s legacy will depend on how the remaining three years of his administration unfold. For now, Imo’s political actors in the ruling APC remain subdued, watching and waiting for the right time to engage in the race for 2028” said Ernest Ibezim, an Owerri based political analyst.

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