Imo State’s upcoming 2023 gubernatorial election has caused tension and concern in the state’s political community as gladiators vie for tickets in various political parties. Already two candidates – the incumbent All Progressive Congress (APC), Governor Hope Uzodimma and Senator Samuel Anyangu of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) have emerged. Uzodimma is descended from the Imo West senatorial Zone which produced the governors of Achike Udenwa and Rochas Okorocha.
He was the sole contender in APC. Senator Anyang Wu, on the other hand, is from the Imo East senatorial zone. During the week, Anyangu won the PDP’s gubernatorial primary.
Ihedioha, last week, wrote the National Chairman of the PDP, notifying the party of his withdrawal from the governorship race.
He further cited injustice and unfairness in the party as his reasons. Ihedioha’s move paved the way for Senator Anyanwu, the current national secretary of the PDP to win the PDP Imo governorship primaries.
There is an intense battle for the governorship tickets of the Labour Party (LP).
It was gathered that what looks like political uncertainty was caused by the wave of the LP Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi. Many political watchers are wondering whether or not the LP can produce a governorship candidate that can stop second-term-seeking Uzodimma.
So far, 12 governorship aspirants are eyeing Uzodimma’s position. The number would have been 13 but for the death of Chief Humphrey Anumudu.
Additionally, those eyeing Uzodimma’s seat on the platform of the LP, are 12 aspirants.
Three from the Imo North Senatorial zone, eight from the Imo East Senatorial zone, and one from Imo West senatorial zone. This is the zone the incumbent Uzodimma hails from.
They are Senator Athan Achonu (Imo North), Charles Onyirimba (Imo North), Ike Ibe (Imo North), Martin Agbaso (Imo East), Chief Joseph Ukaegbu (Imo East ), Kelechi Nwagwu (Imo East), Dr. Basil Maduka (Imo East), Engr Chinedu Amadi (Imo East), retd AIG Charles Agomuo (Imo East), retd Capt David Mbamara (Imo East ), retd Major General Lincoln Jack Ogunewe (Imo East) and Dr. Tochi J.Ehirim (Imo West).
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are yet to have aspirants. APGA at the time of filing this report has not presented any governorship aspirant. The outcome of the 2019 governorship primaries has been fingered. In addition, there is a raging crisis at the National level. The disconnect is over the chairmanship of the party between Chiefs Edozie Njoku and Victor Oye.
The 2019 governorship primary of APGA in Imo produced Senator Ifeanyi Ararume candidate. This primary was allegedly marred by injustice, rigging and intimidation. Furthermore, Ararume hails from Imo North senatorial district.
Currently, only three parties: APC, PDP and LP are in the race for the Imo governorship election scheduled for November.
cc: Vanguard Ng
