With three years to go until the 2027 governorship election in Imo State, political activities are already simmering. While some see these early discussions as unnecessary, others believe they are essential in shaping succession politics.
Governor Hope Uzodimma stands at the center of these debates, even as he urges focus on his administration’s ongoing tenure. Nonetheless, political indicators suggest the 2027 governorship race will be hotly contested.
Owerri vs. Okigwe: A Brewing Rivalry or a Managed Divide?
Since 2025, a rivalry between Owerri and Okigwe zones has been escalating, centered around the controversial Imo Charter of Equity.
This Charter, established by the Imo State Council of Elders, aims to ensure equitable rotation of the governorship among Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu zones.
Owerri Zone argues it is their rightful turn, pointing to past injustices, such as Martin Agbaso’s annulled 2007 victory and Emeka Ihedioha’s removal as Governor by the Supreme Court in 2020.
Groups like the Imo Harmony Project (IHP), Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), and Owerri Zone Political Leaders Forum (OZOPOLF) are leading the charge for the zone.
Meanwhile, Okigwe Zone, propelled by Okigwe Zone Global Forum, insists on its claim to the governorship.
Speculation suggests that this rivalry might be engineered to give Orlu Zone another shot, with rumored interests from figures like Charles Orie lending weight to this theory.
Undercurrents In APC
Within the ruling APC and Uzodimma’s inner circle, various names have surfaced as potential successors.
It is a known fact that several political allies and associates of the governor, especially from Owerri and Okigwe Zones, are interested in succeeding him. Most of them have kept their ambitions under wraps, though they are secretly craving the position.
However, speculations continue to swirl that former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim is interested. Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi is also rumoured to be eyeing Douglas House. The Senator had crossed over to the APC after stints in APGA, Labour Party, and PDP.
Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, leader of the Imo Harmony Project, has also kept his intentions ambiguous. Names such as Jerry Chukwueke, former deputy governor, Eze Madumere, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Sucess Akagburuonye and many others are being speculated to be interested
Meanwhile, long-standing loyalists within the governor’s political circle from Owerri zone, including Mac Donald Ebere, the Imo APC Chairman, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, a two-time Commissioner for Lands and former Political Adviser, are also viewed as potential successors by political observers despite their apparent lack of interest in the race so far.
Political observers draw comparisons with outgoing governors in other states, who have successfully installed core and long time loyalists as their successors.
For example, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State installed his ally of more than 20 years, Francis Nwifuru, while Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State succeeded in backing Usman Ododo against the immense odds.
Uche Ibe, an APC stalwart told INNONEWS in Owerri that no governor would want a “political stranger” to take over from him.
“This is an entrenched norm in Nigerian politics. Outgoing governors prefer age long allies whose relationship are for a life time.That Udenwa and Okorocha failed to put in sucessors was because they probably misfired in their political calculations”
“Uzodimma’s unique political approach ensures minimal room for error. He is well-positioned to achieve what his predecessors could not. The above examples suggest he might pursue a similar strategy”he said.
However, some argue that key factors, such as the performance rating of the administration and the perception of Imo voters, will significantly influence the emergence of his successor.
Mr. Jerry Anyanwu, a concerned citizen, opined that the choice of the next governor cannot rest solely on Uzodimma or even hinged on the contentious Imo Charter of Equity.
Anyanwu said “He is just one Imo citizen. Other factors count, such as the disposition of the Imo electorate on who should be the next governor—not necessarily someone from his camp,” he stated.
However, Insiders within the APC administration in the State however argue that as Uzodimma’s tenure nears completion, the narrative will shift in his favour and the party.
“Imolites would be glad to elect whoever he chooses because his transformational projects would be evident across the state,” one insider revealed.
He pointed to major projects like the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, Owerri-Okigwe road, and Owerri-Orlu road as proof of the governor’s development strides.
“Also, the anticipated launch of the Egbema Power Station in July, part of Uzodimma’s grand plan to ensure electricity supply to all 27 local government areas, would be the game changer
“When these developmental projects are realized, the narrative will undoubtedly tilt in favour of the governor’s chosen candidate,” he explained.
Opposition Forces Emerge
Outside Uzodimma’s camp, opposition figures are positioning themselves to capitalize on age long voter resistance to imposed candidates in Imo State.
Businessman, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi has already unveiled his SEE (Security, Economy, Education) blueprint, presenting himself as a reformist outside the zoning controversies.
Former Governor, Emeka Ihedioha remains a formidable figure whose candidacy could complicate the race further. His controversial removal in 2020 makes his potential return a focal point for political analysts.
Amadi and Ihedioha are thus far the only individuals visibly interested in the 2027 governorship race, though more aspirants may join the contest later this year or in mid-2026.
However, neither Amadi nor Ihedioha has disclosed the political platforms they intend to use for their campaigns.
Analysts suggest that both men recognize the weight of the 2027 contest, given that Governor Uzodimma would be determined to break the long-standing jinx in Imo State, where outgoing governors such as Achike Udenwa and Rochas Okorocha failed to install successors.
Hyacinth Onuoha, a political analyst said “Imo voters are becoming increasingly discerning. They are likely to reject any candidate perceived as imposed or lacking broad appeal, and this is the strength of Amadi, Ihedioha and other governorship hopeful who intend to contest the 2027 race”
Qualities Of Next Successor
The Owerri Zone Mandate, one of the groups agitating for an Imo governor of Owerri zone extraction, led by Barrister John Ucheoma, had issued qualities for the next governor of the State recently.
In a statement in Owerri, the group wrote “While Governor Uzodimma has rightly stated that he does not wish to be distracted, focusing instead on his remaining three years in office, we believe offering useful suggestions at this stage is critical. The groundwork for Imo State’s future should be laid with foresight and care.
“We urge the governor not to be influenced by voices creating unnecessary conflict over the Charter of Equity. With the 2027 elections still far away, these distractions only undermine governance. The Uzodimma administration must remain focused on delivering results to its people
“Owerri Zone Watchdog insists that the governor’s successor must be someone deeply rooted in his political journey—an individual who has been with him from the start, not opportunistic newcomers or those who joined him after he assumed office. Such individuals lack the experience and commitment required to carry forward his vision for the state” the statement stated.
Uzodimma’s Aides Divided?
Uzodimma’s aides are split on the issues of succession and the Imo Charter of Equity.
Key members of the administration like Commissioners of Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba and Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, C.O.C. Akaolisa have expressed contrasting opinions, leaving room for speculation about the governor’s plans.
Emelumba, shortly after Owerri Zone stakeholders visited Uzodimma, stated that the Imo Charter of Equity is no law. Akaolisa, meanwhile, argued that only those in the governor’s political camp—CAMP HOPE—would succeed him.
Later, Akaolisa contended that Okigwe Zone has no right to demand the governorship until the injustice done to a son of Owerri Zone, Martin Agbaso, in 2007 is addressed.
Agbaso was on the verge of victory in the 2007 governorship election when Maurice Iwu, an Okigwe Zone native and then Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), canceled the results midway.
Iwu subsequently supported his kinsman, Ikedi Ohakim, in a fresh election, which Ohakim went on to win.
Political analyst contend that the conflicting positions within Uzodimma’s camp highlight the deep divides over the succession plan, adding further complexity to the evolving political scenario.
Too Early for 2027?
Despite Uzodimma’s call for restraint, political maneuvering has begun in earnest. The scenario mirrors developments in Lagos State, where allies of President Bola Tinubu are already laying groundwork for 2027.
President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, MD of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission and former Presidential aide, Ms. Abike Dabiri, along with the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, have begun early moves for the 2027 governorship election.
Their efforts aim to position themselves as potential successors to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who will have completed his second term of eight years in office.
