Imo History Of Failed Handovers
OpenLife News reports that since the return to democracy in 1999, no governor of Imo State has successfully produced a successor.
As 2027 approaches, all eyes are on Governor Hope Uzodimma to see if he can break the cycle.
A History Of Failed Handovers
Chief Achike Udenwa, the first governor of the current republic, failed to install a successor in 2007. Ikedi Ohakim of the PPA took over but was ousted in 2011 in a major upset by Rochas Okorocha. Okorocha himself failed to hand over to his preferred choice, widely seen as his son-in-law.
Emeka Ihedioha had the shortest stay after the Supreme Court sacked him, paving the way for Senator Hope Uzodimma. Now, Uzodimma faces the same test: can he break a 27-year jinx?
Early Signs Of A Tough Fight
Though the state government and APC say they are not threatened, early signs point to a heated contest.About a week ago, thugs reportedly disrupted an NDC meeting in Owerri Municipal where senatorial candidate Uche Onyeagucha was speaking.
Days later, YPP and APP alleged attempts to break into their secretariats and destruction of billboards around 3am.Y
PP Chairman, Michael Anyanwu said: “Some unidentified men in an unmarked Sienna vehicle came to our party secretariat, vandalised our signages… Are they trying to silence opposition parties in Imo State?”The APC has dismissed the claims.
Publicity Secretary Onwuasoanya Jones said the attacks may have been “stage-managed” and urged opposition parties to “play by the rules” and convince voters with “logical arguments and verifiable records.”
Opposition: “We Are Ready”
APP, which now has 2 National Assembly members, says it is the party to beat. Cajetan Duke, CPS to APP leader Chima Amadi, told Vanguard: “APP has demonstrated enough readiness for 2027… APC is aware that APP is the party to beat in Imo.
What is happening is panic-reaction pattern by governments that know they are exit-bound.”He cited 2011 and 2019 as examples where hostile actions by ruling parties preceded their defeat.ADC, led in the state by Emeka Ihedioha, also says it is ready.
Publicity Secretary Macdonald Amadi said: “If there is any party prepared to rule in Imo, it is ADC. We have sold ourselves in all nooks and crannies.”NDC is also in the mix, with Dr. Sam Amadi, ex-NERC Chairman, tipped as a likely aspirant.
Uzodimma’s Scorecard
Analysts give Uzodimma credit for road construction and reducing insecurity that once ravaged the state. However, critics point to neglect in education, with many school buildings in poor condition, and what they describe as the governor’s “elitist disposition” creating a disconnect with the people.
APP has been the loudest critic, led by Chima Amadi and Rep Ikenga Ugochinyere. ADC has been quieter, though Ihedioha’s recent appearance at Imo@50 where he got an award from Uzodimma has fueled 2027 permutations.
What’s At Stake
The 2027 off-cycle governorship election will either rewrite or retain Imo’s political history. For Uzodimma and APC, it’s about legacy. For APP, ADC, NDC and others, it’s about maintaining the “ballot revolution” tradition that has defined Imo politics since 1999.
As Duke put it: “The darkest part of the night is the is the hour next to dawn. Guard your PVC, our votes will count.”
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