The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, on Friday, witnessed the resignation of its two notable members.
This has set the stage for more likely resignations in the party as the political scheming for 2027 governorship race begins in earnest.
Cajethan Duke, the State Publicity Secretary of the party stepped down from his position and joined the governorship campaign team of billionaire businessman, Dr Chima Amadi, as it’s spokesman.
On the same day, Blydeen Amajirinonwu, a former lawmaker who represented Ngor Okpala in the Imo State House of Assembly, also announced his decision to withdraw from active partisan politics and leave the APC, to join Dr.Amadi.
Both Duke and Amajirinonwu hail from Ngor Okpala Local Government Area and are known allies of Amadi,even before they quit the APC.
Amadi has been gaining traction as a possible gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 elections, although he has yet to make any formal declaration.
Amadi’s influence has grown significantly through his organization, The Mazi Organization, which has established a presence in every ward across Imo State
While the group is officially described as a humanitarian initiative, political observers believe it serves as a preparatory platform for his eventual entry into the gubernatorial race.
The dual resignations of Duke and Amajirinonwu, have fueled speculations that Amadi wants to actualize his governorship ambition outside the APC.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, who holds the reins of power within the Imo APC, is widely seen as the ultimate decision-maker regarding the party’s governorship ticket and the choice of his successor in 2027.
Uzodimma’s control over the party machinery may compel some of those with governorship ambition outside his political family in the party to explore political alternatives, including possible defection from the APC to improve their chances in the 2027 guber race.
Compounding the political intrigue is the growing speculation about the formation of a mega opposition party at the national level. This coalition, allegedly in the works, aims to unite major political figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Nasir El-Rufai to challenge the dominance of President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 elections.
INNONEWS had exclusively reported last week that some APC chieftains in Imo State, notably a former Minister and a guber hopeful from Ngor Okpala, are already aligning with this group, betting on its potential to provide a viable platform to challenge the APC in the 2027 governorship election.
Meanwhile, the state party chairman, Mac Donald Ebere, had at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Owerri, noted with concern that some leaders within the party had already making moves and creating “political tension” in the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
While he acknowledged that political interest or ambition in the future is not a problem, he warned that disregarding party rules and guidelines on the matter was unacceptable. He explained that such ill- timed political maneuvers serves as a distraction to Governor Hope Uzodimma.
His statement highlights the growing concerns within the party about unity and discipline as the 2027 elections draw closer.
