In Imo politics, silence is rarely golden—it’s either strategy or surrender. As 2027 draws closer, some top political heavyweights in the State—Senator Samuel Anyanwu,, Chima Amadi, Uche Nwosu, Ifeanyi Araraume, Emeka Nwajiuba, and Athan Achonu—are tiptoeing around the big question: what next? Their hush is deafening, and their uncertain power moves is beginning to raise eyebrows. Are they plotting a grand return or quietly exiting the stage?
Take Chima Amadi. The Mazi Organization, TMO boss was widely tipped to align with the ADC coalition now dominating political conversations across the country. Shockingly, he didn’t. Is Amadi playing the long game, watching from the sidelines? Or is he unsure of his footing in a political terrain now defined by seen and unseen political factors? Whatever it is, the clock is ticking, and the governorship ambition many attribute to him won’t wait forever.
Then there’s Uche Nwosu, Okorocha’s Chief Of Staff when he was Imo State Governor. Nwosu has retreated into his Ugwumba Foundation since his 2019 guber loss. But power, they say, is addictive. Will Nwosu return to the political scene under the APC, or embrace the ADC wave? Is he really interested in another political contest? Or is his silence indicative of exiting the political stage? Right now, his strategy—if there is one—is hidden in plain sight.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume is no stranger to political comebacks. But since his NNPC Board chairmanship was controversially yanked by Buhari, the Okigwe-born strongman has been conspicuously missing in the Imo political arena. Known for striking when least expected, is Araraume preparing for one last epic battle or quietly retiring into private life? Few believe the latter; after all, Araraume has never been a man for silent exits.
Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba’s case is equally curious. A Buhari loyalist, his silence since Tinubu came to power suggests a man dissatisfied with the latter. The ADC coalition could have been a natural fit, yet Nwajiuba remains unseen thus far. However, some say he is among Buhari’s Ministers who are part of the coalition and soon he will openly align himself with the group.
Senator Athan Achonu, Labour’s 2023 governorship candidate, fought a brave but lost battle at the 2023 Imo guber polls and in court. With Labour Party’s mainstream now merging into ADC, many expect Achonu to follow. But he hasn’t. Is he weighing his chances of a second shot or resigning himself to political obscurity?
Former Governor Achike Udenwa has also been linked to the ADC coalition. He was among those who went with former Vice Presiden, Atiku Abubakar to consult with former President Muhammadu Buhari during the formative stages of the coalition, signaling possible alignment with the emerging third force.
Also, for former Governor Rochas Okorocha, not much can be speculated about his next political moves after eight years as governor and four years as a senator, but many believe he remains fully aligned with the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Meanwhile, Sam Anyanwu (Sam Daddy) recently outsmarted political sharks in the PDP who attempted to wrestle his position as National Secretary of the party, proving he still has firm control within Imo’s PDP structure. His next political move is unknown.
For other numerous Imo’s undecided heavyweights, this is a dangerous game. Imolites are watching, and the political landscape is evolving fast. ADC is positioning itself as a third force. APC is continuously entrenching its bases in the state. Sitting on the fence for too long risks making the undecided irrelevant in a State where power does not wait for the undecided.
One thing is certain—2027 won’t be business as usual. And unless these political juggernauts step out of the shadows, they risk being swept aside by newer, bolder players ready to seize the moment.
