The race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship ticket in Imo State ahead of the 2027 general elections is already shaping up to be a fierce political battle, as top political figures, including Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Dr. Chima Amadi, and Senator Athan Achonu, prepare to lock horns for control of the party.
With ADC recently unveiled as the coalition platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the stage is set for a power tussle that could either redefine opposition politics in the state or fracture it entirely.
Former Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha’s dramatic reentry into the political scene, after his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has already set tongues wagging.
Addressing members of his Rebuild Imo Movement (RIM) in Owerri, Ihedioha announced his allegiance to ADC and instructed his supporters to migrate en masse to the party. This bold move signals his intention to dominate the party’s structure ahead of 2027.
But Ihedioha’s path to an uncontested return is far from guaranteed. Dr. Chima Amadi, leader of The Mazi Organization (TMO), has emerged as a formidable challenger. With a robust grassroots network across Imo’s 27 LGAs and backing from key political heavyweights, Amadi’s candidacy is already reshaping political calculations within ADC in the State.
Amadi’s support reportedly spans across serving National Assembly members, including Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, and Rt. Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo. Sources also revealed that former House Majority Leader Rt. Hon. Uche Ogbuagu and several current State Assembly members are in talks with Amadi, potentially expanding his base.
Described by analysts as the “dark horse,” Amadi’s strategic, low-profile build-up has placed him in pole position. His financial clout, wide-reaching political contacts, and tacit support from Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba’s camp add another layer of intrigue.
Nwajiuba, former Minister of State for Education and a 2023 APC presidential aspirant, is rumored to view Amadi as a modern face of governance capable of taking on APC’s Hope Uzodimma’s political machine.
Senator Athan Achonu, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, is also said to be plotting a return to the contest under ADC. Known for his electoral resilience and strong support base, Achonu’s rumored defection to ADC could further complicate the emerging equations in the party.
Observers note that the unfolding rivalry is not merely about individual ambitions but also about controlling ADC’s state structure and determining the party’s zoning formula. Both Ihedioha and Amadi hail from Owerri Zone, while Achonu and Nwajiuba are from Okigwe, raising questions about zonal balance within the party.
“This is more than a ticket; it’s about shaping the opposition’s future in Imo,” said a political analyst. “If the ADC fails to manage these ambitions with transparency and fairness, it risks internal implosion before even facing the APC.”
Insiders revealed that Ihedioha’s camp is banking on his vast political experience and the established RIM structure, while Amadi’s youthful appeal and grassroots momentum are seen as key to winning the support of Imo’s large youth population. Achonu, on his part, remains a wild card with his proven electoral strength and deep fianancial war chest.
This newspaper learnt that the ADC leadership faces an uphill task to ensure an open and credible primary process.
Political commentators warn that mishandling the ticket selection could fracture the fragile coalition and hand APC an easy victory. “Imo voters want an authentic alternative, not recycled politicians under a new party logo,” another observer noted.
As 2027 draws nearer, the ADC’s greatest test lies in its ability to unify diverse political interests into a cohesive force. With Uzodimma already laying succession plans, the opposition’s ability to rally behind a single candidate could determine whether Imo politics witnesses a historic upset or a familiar APC dominance.
