Three major parties-the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the
All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance
(APGA)-are battling for the soul of Imo State. Their governorship
aspirants have also intensified their consultations with stakeholders,
ahead of the next year’s election. OKODILI NDIDI reports.
Politics is in the air in Imo State. What will make the next governorship unique is that the governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, is seeking a fresh term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has vowed to retain power in the Southeast state.
The contest will not be a walk over for the governor. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are not in slumber. The two parties are also working assiduously to form the next government.
No fewer than 23 aspirants across the three parties are eyeing the number one seat. They parade intimidating credentials.
Many factors will shape the contest. One of them is zoning. Already, some politicians are calling attention to the ‘Imo State Charter of Equity,’ which stipulates that the slot should rotate among the three zones-Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe.
However, political analysts point out that some aspirants are pretenders planted to divide the strength of their perceived opponents and boost their chance of getting political appointments, if their parties win the governorship election.
Prominent aspirants include former Minister of Interior Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and President of Pan African Parliament Bethel Amadi.
Others are Chief Humphrey Anumudu, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Hon. Charles Onyea-gbakor, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and Owelle Okorocha.
Ihenacho
Ihenacho is a former Minister of Interior, Managing Director of Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas. Few months ago, he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He complained that he was marginalised in the PDP.
Ihenacho is a versatile politician. He is also a philanthropist. When he was a minister, he facilitated the recruitment of many people from the state into the Federal Government agencies.
The zoning appears to be in his favour. The former minister is from Owerri Zone. A successful and accomplished businessman, Ihenacho has the financial war chest tosuccessfully fund his campaigns. Since he defected to the APGA, Iheanacho has galvanised the party structures at the grassroots. But, he has not been able to unite the divided state executive comittee.
However, the aspiranthas one hurdle to cross. There is no evidence that he is in the good book of the APGA leader, Chief Martins Agbaso, the elder brother of the impeached deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso. The elderly Agbaso weilded much influcncein the party.
Besides, the division in the national leadership is worrisome to Ihenacho camp. The camp has not identified with any faction.
During the 2011 governorship election, Ihenacho was accused of working against the PDP because he among the actors who frustrated the re-election bid of Chief Ohakim. Ihenacho, it was alleged, supported Okorocha.
The bitterness unleashed by that scenario has not fizzled out. Now, there is the agitation for zoning to Okigwe Zone by the indigenes. Their claim is that Ohakim, who hails from the district, did not complete his second term before he handed over to a governor from Owerri Zone.
Chukwueke
The Chairman of the Germaine Group is another major contender on the platform of the PDP. He had contested for the slot in 2007. But, he lost at the primaries. But, Chujwueke has remained one of the strongest financers of the party. When the party was in crisis, following its defeat at the 2011 polls, Chukwueke was appointed as the Chairman of the PDP Mobilisation Committee, which facilitated the return of its pioneer members, including former Governor Achike Udenwa, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and Mike Ahamba (SAN), who had left the party in anger after the 2007 general elections.
One of the factors working for him is his close relationship with the National Woman Leader of the party, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, who is backing his ambition. Although he has opened campaign offices in Owerri, the state capital, Chukwueke Campaign Organisation appears to have retired to the backgrounds after few public outings. A source said that the politician and his strategists have returned to the drawing board. But, since the campaign group has mellowed down, stakeholders thought that he has abandoned his ambition.
Ihedioha
If there is one politician, who is likely to give Okorocha a run for his money next year, it is Ihedioha.
Ihedioha is popular. He has supporters. He has connections. He is also respected at the grassroots.
Many believe that the PDP has a chance of bouncing back, if the legislator emerges as the flag bearer. Ihedioh is the most visible politician from Owerri Zone, who may likely clinch the ticket, owing to his connection with the national leadership of the party.
The Deputy Speaker is waxing stronger on the field. As a legislator, he has attracted dividends of democracy to his constituency. He is also perceived as a patriot. On many occasions, Ihedioha has reiterated his readiness to take over power from the Okorocha.
He has described himself as the most experienced contender for the seat. Observers contend that, judging by the number strategic projects, especially road projects, that he has attracted, he will develop the state, if elected as the governor.
Since he unfolded his ambition, Ihedioha has left no stone unturned in his efforts to realise it. He is the only the PDP aspirant, who has visited all the local governments to consult with stakeholders about his plans to rule the state.
The Deputy Speaker is also a crowd puller. The large turnout that greeted the visits is a strong indication that his ambition is beginning to enjoy widespread acceptability.
However, one of the major fears expressed by political pundits is that the PDP is no more popular in the state. This is attributed to the failure of past PDP administrations to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
The impression that has been created is that the PDP ruled for 12 years without concrete achievements. Also, the PDP is still divided. The reconciliation in the party has not yielded good fruits.
Ararume
Senator Ararume is from Okigwe Zone. He is a popular actor. He has many supporters. He is also rich. His supporters are fanatically loyal to his cause.
The senator is a veteran governorship aspirant. Thrice, he has been in the race. When he felt that he was shortchanged in 2007, he left the party in anger. Today, many are of the opinion that he should be compensated with the slot because he was deprived in the past.
Another factor that may count in his favour is his closenes to the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, the acclaimed ‘Mr. Fix it.’
However, the major obstacle to Ararume’s ambition is the clamor by political leaders from Okigwe Zone for the governorship in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice.
Ohakim
Ohakim is another contender that could spring a surprise. His fall from power was fatal. Humbled by the 2011 defeat, Ohakim returned to the drawing board. He embraced the fact that he made some mistakes while in office. According to sources, he has regretted his mistakes and resolved to learn from them. Although he has not publicly unfolded his aspiration, he is holding consultations with traditional rulers, party leaders and other important persons in the state.
The Okigwe-born politician is determined to bounce back. But, not many people are rooting for him in Imo. But, he is courageous.
Ohakim has one thing in his favour. This is the sentiment that he was anot allowed to complete his tenure. Thus, some elders feel that he should be given a second chance. But, those who felt that they were betrayed in his first term have not pardoned him.
Ohakim has been under attack for his style of governance. They have not forgotten how the administration implemented the Oguta Wonder Lake Project. To them, the poor implementation underscored government’s ineptitude.
Okorocha
Okorocha has not unfolded his second term ambition. But, his body language speaks volumes.
After his victory in the 2011 election, which was the turning point, he swung into action. Having placed his hand on the plough, he has not looked back.
The governor introduced the ‘Rescue Mission Agenda’. Today, he is fighting the infrastructure battle. He has rebuilt the people’s confidence in government through the provision of good roads, hospitals, free education at all levels, improved security, and employment for youths.
The major hurdle for those eyeing Okorocha’s job is how to convince the electorate that he does not deserve a second term. The reason is not far-fetched. For instance, there is no community that that has not savoured developmental projects embarked upon by the administration.
To analysts. it will be difficult to convince the people to vote out a performing governor and return the cabal that ruined the state for 12 years to power.
An elder statesman and member of Imo State Elders’ Forum, Sir Edmund Onyebuchi, described the plot to sack Okorocha in 2015 as a “mission impossible”.
“After the late Sam Mbakwe, no governor has done what Governor Okorocha is doing in developing the state. I think the evidence is there for all to see. It is unlike before where projects only existed on the internet and newspapers.
The people are aware of this and they won’t make the mistake of allowing those people who plundered the wealth of the state in the past to return to power,” he added.
Also, market women, students, youths, civil servants, artisans and peasants are rooting for Okorocha. A trader, Mrs. Chinyere Obumu, said the free education programme of the government cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political, religious or ethnic sentiments.
“Ihe free education programme of the Okorocha Administration is a project that must be jealously protected. So, we want the governor to continue and consolidate on his good programmes. This is the first time we are seeing a thing like this and no one can sway us against such administration,” she said.
Another factor that has kept the aspirants on their toes is that Imo electorate are enlightened and they cannot be enticed with money. The 2011 governorship election, which brought Okorocha to power, has showed that people vote according to their conscience. After voting, they also defended their votes.
However, the fact that the governor is from Orlu Zone, which is not favoured by the ‘Charter of Equity’ to produce the next governor, may affect Okorocha’s chance.
Politics is in the air in Imo State. What will make the next governorship unique is that the governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, is seeking a fresh term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has vowed to retain power in the Southeast state.
The contest will not be a walk over for the governor. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are not in slumber. The two parties are also working assiduously to form the next government.
No fewer than 23 aspirants across the three parties are eyeing the number one seat. They parade intimidating credentials.
Many factors will shape the contest. One of them is zoning. Already, some politicians are calling attention to the ‘Imo State Charter of Equity,’ which stipulates that the slot should rotate among the three zones-Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe.
However, political analysts point out that some aspirants are pretenders planted to divide the strength of their perceived opponents and boost their chance of getting political appointments, if their parties win the governorship election.
Prominent aspirants include former Minister of Interior Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and President of Pan African Parliament Bethel Amadi.
Others are Chief Humphrey Anumudu, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Hon. Charles Onyea-gbakor, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and Owelle Okorocha.
Ihenacho
Ihenacho is a former Minister of Interior, Managing Director of Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas. Few months ago, he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He complained that he was marginalised in the PDP.
Ihenacho is a versatile politician. He is also a philanthropist. When he was a minister, he facilitated the recruitment of many people from the state into the Federal Government agencies.
The zoning appears to be in his favour. The former minister is from Owerri Zone. A successful and accomplished businessman, Ihenacho has the financial war chest tosuccessfully fund his campaigns. Since he defected to the APGA, Iheanacho has galvanised the party structures at the grassroots. But, he has not been able to unite the divided state executive comittee.
However, the aspiranthas one hurdle to cross. There is no evidence that he is in the good book of the APGA leader, Chief Martins Agbaso, the elder brother of the impeached deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso. The elderly Agbaso weilded much influcncein the party.
Besides, the division in the national leadership is worrisome to Ihenacho camp. The camp has not identified with any faction.
During the 2011 governorship election, Ihenacho was accused of working against the PDP because he among the actors who frustrated the re-election bid of Chief Ohakim. Ihenacho, it was alleged, supported Okorocha.
The bitterness unleashed by that scenario has not fizzled out. Now, there is the agitation for zoning to Okigwe Zone by the indigenes. Their claim is that Ohakim, who hails from the district, did not complete his second term before he handed over to a governor from Owerri Zone.
Chukwueke
The Chairman of the Germaine Group is another major contender on the platform of the PDP. He had contested for the slot in 2007. But, he lost at the primaries. But, Chujwueke has remained one of the strongest financers of the party. When the party was in crisis, following its defeat at the 2011 polls, Chukwueke was appointed as the Chairman of the PDP Mobilisation Committee, which facilitated the return of its pioneer members, including former Governor Achike Udenwa, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and Mike Ahamba (SAN), who had left the party in anger after the 2007 general elections.
One of the factors working for him is his close relationship with the National Woman Leader of the party, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, who is backing his ambition. Although he has opened campaign offices in Owerri, the state capital, Chukwueke Campaign Organisation appears to have retired to the backgrounds after few public outings. A source said that the politician and his strategists have returned to the drawing board. But, since the campaign group has mellowed down, stakeholders thought that he has abandoned his ambition.
Ihedioha
If there is one politician, who is likely to give Okorocha a run for his money next year, it is Ihedioha.
Ihedioha is popular. He has supporters. He has connections. He is also respected at the grassroots.
Many believe that the PDP has a chance of bouncing back, if the legislator emerges as the flag bearer. Ihedioh is the most visible politician from Owerri Zone, who may likely clinch the ticket, owing to his connection with the national leadership of the party.
The Deputy Speaker is waxing stronger on the field. As a legislator, he has attracted dividends of democracy to his constituency. He is also perceived as a patriot. On many occasions, Ihedioha has reiterated his readiness to take over power from the Okorocha.
He has described himself as the most experienced contender for the seat. Observers contend that, judging by the number strategic projects, especially road projects, that he has attracted, he will develop the state, if elected as the governor.
Since he unfolded his ambition, Ihedioha has left no stone unturned in his efforts to realise it. He is the only the PDP aspirant, who has visited all the local governments to consult with stakeholders about his plans to rule the state.
The Deputy Speaker is also a crowd puller. The large turnout that greeted the visits is a strong indication that his ambition is beginning to enjoy widespread acceptability.
However, one of the major fears expressed by political pundits is that the PDP is no more popular in the state. This is attributed to the failure of past PDP administrations to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
The impression that has been created is that the PDP ruled for 12 years without concrete achievements. Also, the PDP is still divided. The reconciliation in the party has not yielded good fruits.
Ararume
Senator Ararume is from Okigwe Zone. He is a popular actor. He has many supporters. He is also rich. His supporters are fanatically loyal to his cause.
The senator is a veteran governorship aspirant. Thrice, he has been in the race. When he felt that he was shortchanged in 2007, he left the party in anger. Today, many are of the opinion that he should be compensated with the slot because he was deprived in the past.
Another factor that may count in his favour is his closenes to the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, the acclaimed ‘Mr. Fix it.’
However, the major obstacle to Ararume’s ambition is the clamor by political leaders from Okigwe Zone for the governorship in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice.
Ohakim
Ohakim is another contender that could spring a surprise. His fall from power was fatal. Humbled by the 2011 defeat, Ohakim returned to the drawing board. He embraced the fact that he made some mistakes while in office. According to sources, he has regretted his mistakes and resolved to learn from them. Although he has not publicly unfolded his aspiration, he is holding consultations with traditional rulers, party leaders and other important persons in the state.
The Okigwe-born politician is determined to bounce back. But, not many people are rooting for him in Imo. But, he is courageous.
Ohakim has one thing in his favour. This is the sentiment that he was anot allowed to complete his tenure. Thus, some elders feel that he should be given a second chance. But, those who felt that they were betrayed in his first term have not pardoned him.
Ohakim has been under attack for his style of governance. They have not forgotten how the administration implemented the Oguta Wonder Lake Project. To them, the poor implementation underscored government’s ineptitude.
Okorocha
Okorocha has not unfolded his second term ambition. But, his body language speaks volumes.
After his victory in the 2011 election, which was the turning point, he swung into action. Having placed his hand on the plough, he has not looked back.
The governor introduced the ‘Rescue Mission Agenda’. Today, he is fighting the infrastructure battle. He has rebuilt the people’s confidence in government through the provision of good roads, hospitals, free education at all levels, improved security, and employment for youths.
The major hurdle for those eyeing Okorocha’s job is how to convince the electorate that he does not deserve a second term. The reason is not far-fetched. For instance, there is no community that that has not savoured developmental projects embarked upon by the administration.
To analysts. it will be difficult to convince the people to vote out a performing governor and return the cabal that ruined the state for 12 years to power.
An elder statesman and member of Imo State Elders’ Forum, Sir Edmund Onyebuchi, described the plot to sack Okorocha in 2015 as a “mission impossible”.
“After the late Sam Mbakwe, no governor has done what Governor Okorocha is doing in developing the state. I think the evidence is there for all to see. It is unlike before where projects only existed on the internet and newspapers.
The people are aware of this and they won’t make the mistake of allowing those people who plundered the wealth of the state in the past to return to power,” he added.
Also, market women, students, youths, civil servants, artisans and peasants are rooting for Okorocha. A trader, Mrs. Chinyere Obumu, said the free education programme of the government cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political, religious or ethnic sentiments.
“Ihe free education programme of the Okorocha Administration is a project that must be jealously protected. So, we want the governor to continue and consolidate on his good programmes. This is the first time we are seeing a thing like this and no one can sway us against such administration,” she said.
Another factor that has kept the aspirants on their toes is that Imo electorate are enlightened and they cannot be enticed with money. The 2011 governorship election, which brought Okorocha to power, has showed that people vote according to their conscience. After voting, they also defended their votes.
However, the fact that the governor is from Orlu Zone, which is not favoured by the ‘Charter of Equity’ to produce the next governor, may affect Okorocha’s chance.
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