By and large, partisan politics is simply a system of evolving strategies and platforms for the projection of one’s interests and ideologies and which would ultimately lead to the realization of one’s ambitions.
Thus, for those versed and conversant with the politics of Imo State, popularly called the Eastern Heartland, a critical assessment and evaluation of the political environment, depicts an evolving battle for the top job in the state.
Indeed, to all keen observers of the politics of the state, to state that the 2019 race for the government house otherwise known as the Douglas House has started is to say the obvious.
With the incumbent governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, serving out his statutory eight years tenure, the tussle to replace him is bound to be tough, analysts opine.
The major contenders are already in subtle campaign mode, causing a rise in the political temperature of the state. Interestingly, the three senatorial districts of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe are all insistent on taking a shot at the number one seat just as alignments and realignment continue to rage.
Leading the pack are notable political big wigs mainly those of All Progressive Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the nascent United Progressive party (UPP).
The latter is led by young multi-Billionaire Business mogul Osmond Imo Ukanacho.
Expectedly, some contenders are in the fore front for the stiff competition to succeed governor Okorocha in 2019, while others are believed to be distractions or spoilers, who usually fizzle out of the political space as soon as the election gets underway.
Among the lot angling to occupy the Douglas House Owerri in the next two years are Senator Ifeanyi Araraume; erstwhile Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; incumbent deputy governor of the state -Prince Eze Madumere; ex-governor Ikedi Ohakim; former Interior Minister and APGA Governorship candidate –Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho; the Senator for Imo west (Orlu Zone) Hope Uzodinma as well as the member representing Okigwe South in the House of Representatives- Chike Okafor.
Prince Eze Madumere is the incumbent deputy governor of the State. He was formerly the Chief of Staff to Okorocha and hails from Achi Mbieri in the Mbailtoli L.G.A.
As a reliable apostle to the APC warlord in the South east (governor Okorocha), Madumere is in the good books of his political benefactor and many are of the view that he will enjoy the support of his boss in 2019.
This is against the backdrop of his cordial relationship with his boss Which spans over two decades. He seems to also have the grasp of what it takes to rule a state given his experience. Prince Madumere is said to
be the most experienced Deputy Governor in Nigeria given the free hand and training he has undergone under the tutelage of Governor Okorocha.
It is said that Madumere has superintended so many negotiations for the state. What is also going for Madumere is his effort in ensuring that there is stability in the state by virtue of his capacity to manage difficult situations including the seeming irreconcilable ones.
be the most experienced Deputy Governor in Nigeria given the free hand and training he has undergone under the tutelage of Governor Okorocha.
It is said that Madumere has superintended so many negotiations for the state. What is also going for Madumere is his effort in ensuring that there is stability in the state by virtue of his capacity to manage difficult situations including the seeming irreconcilable ones.
This may not be unconnected to his popularity in oil producing areas of the State having managed their rifts with the oil exploring companies. In all these, what sets him apart from others is his humility and loyalty to his boss and to cap it all his ability to interpret situation and always taking proactive measure to nip issues in the bud. This can account for his appointment by his boss to head sensitive areas of governance including security of the State.
As a young politician, Madumere’s popularity is rising and his acceptability by the masses seems to be healthy because of his acts of benevolence and magnanimity. If the zoning formula is anything to go by, Prince Madumere might be favored since he is from Owerri zone.
On the other hand Madumere will have to battle an older politician, Senator Ifeanyichukwu Araraume, for the top job.
On the other hand Madumere will have to battle an older politician, Senator Ifeanyichukwu Araraume, for the top job.
Sen Ararume is reputed as the most redoubtable politician from the Imo North (Okize zone). An indigene of Isiebu community in the Isiala Mbano Council area, Sen Ararume was in the nation’s upper legislative chamber (between 1999-2007) when he took the first shot at the seat of power.
Araraume (aka Ugwumba) made his maiden appearance in the nation’s red chamber under the platform of the then All Peoples Party (APP) before
he defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Araraume (aka Ugwumba) made his maiden appearance in the nation’s red chamber under the platform of the then All Peoples Party (APP) before
he defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A multi billion successful business tycoon with formidable local and international connections, the former Senator emerged the governorship candidate of the PDP in 2007 but was for inexplicable reasons blocked by the then governor Chief Achike Udenwa and his cohorts.
Since then, he has not hidden his ambition to governor the state just as he also sought the governorship ticket of the party in 2015 but lost to Ihedioha under controversial circumstances.
Till date, the two time Senator has remained a force to be reckoned with in the politics of the Eastern Heartland.
Apart from his intimidating political structure, Chief Araraume enjoys a grassroots support and is famous for his acts of generosity to the poor and the needy, having offered scholarship to indigent students.
However, observers of the politics of the state believe that his independent mindedness, his domineering attitude and over bearing influence in his new party- the APC might be a problem to him.
The former senator is however dreaded by governor Rochas Okorocha who sees him as one he cannot control should he relinquish power to him in 2019.
However, observers of the politics of the state believe that his independent mindedness, his domineering attitude and over bearing influence in his new party- the APC might be a problem to him.
The former senator is however dreaded by governor Rochas Okorocha who sees him as one he cannot control should he relinquish power to him in 2019.
The former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, is also said to be eyeing the seat. He was the governorship candidate of the PDP in 2015. He hails from Mbutu, in the Aboh Mbaise Council Area and was in the nation’s lower legislative chamber for 12 years during which he represented Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal constituency (2003-2019).
Ihedioha has risen to become a political juggernaut of sorts. Since he lost the governorship election to governor Okorocha in 2015, he has remained vocal in opposition to APC’s rescue mission administration in the state.
Although, he has not made any public pronouncement regarding the race for the Imo Government House in 2019, his utterances and actions speak volume of his interest to wrestle power from the APC.
However some analysts, believe his people see him as being pompous, arrogant and quick tempered.
However some analysts, believe his people see him as being pompous, arrogant and quick tempered.
Next on the list of potential aspirants is former governor Chief Ikedi Ohakim. He governed the state between 2007-2011, sought re-election but lost to incumbent governor Rochas Okorocha. In 2015, he sought the governorship ticket under PDP but lost to Hon. Ihedioha. Ohakim hails from Okohia, Isiala Mbano council area and as a governor, he introduced a programme known as “Clean and Green” which he conceived to advance the environmental sanitation of the state. This led to the demolition of structures in all nooks and crannies of the state just as he was able to provide motorable roads, schools and hospitals.
It is yet to be seen whether he can win votes of the electorate as many are still bitter over the demolition of their means of livelihood under his tenure.
Senator Hope Uzodinma, incumbent senator for Imo West, is said to be the race. The senator who hails from Omuma in the Oru East council area of Orlu zone, like some others angling for the gubernatorial seat, is a philanthropist.
Fondly called “Onwa Oyoko”, his geographical background (Imo west) which has produced two governors – Achike Udenwa and the incumbent – Rochas Okorocha will likely pose a stumbling block to him as the electorate might find it difficult to give another Orlu man their mandate.
Former interior minister and successful oil magnet, Emma Iheanacho, also has is eye set on the position. A former governorship candidate of APGA, Iheanacho is an indigene of Ezeogba Emekuku, in the Owerri North L.G.A.
He is seen as a gentleman of fine breeding, generous and a grassroots politician. He is said to have empowered many people while in office as minister.
He is seen as a gentleman of fine breeding, generous and a grassroots politician. He is said to have empowered many people while in office as minister.
Chief Humphrey Anumudu is another prominent businessman who is speculated to be in the race. From Obazu in the Mbaitoli LGA, the chieftain of PDP, reportedly won the PDP governorship primaries in 1999 but was prevailed upon to surrender the ticket to Chief Achike Udenwa by the party based on the zoning principle of the governorship seat among the three zones of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe.
Since then, the Lagos based businessman has been a regular contender to the seat. He is young and mixes freely with the public.
However, he is largely seen as one who usually fizzles out after every governorship primary. His political structure and muscle has waned over the years.
Deacon Chike Okafor, is one of the new comers in the race. He is from Umuoke, Obowo council area and was a one time commissioner for Finance in the state. He is regarded as popular with the youths which played a major role in his electoral victory into the nation’s lower legislative chamber for the Okigwe South federal constituency seat.
Deacon Chike Okafor, is one of the new comers in the race. He is from Umuoke, Obowo council area and was a one time commissioner for Finance in the state. He is regarded as popular with the youths which played a major role in his electoral victory into the nation’s lower legislative chamber for the Okigwe South federal constituency seat.
Still, there are others eyeing Okorocha’s seat who so far are not as rooted in the state as the aforementioned politicians. They include: Chief Okey Eze (APGA) from Ahiazu Mbaise Charles
Onyeagboko from Okwu Uratta in the Owerri North Council area. There is also Emmanuel Ojinere from Ahiazu Mbaise; Ken Ojiri from Owala Uratta from Owerri North LGA as well as Chief Jerry Chukwueke from Awaka, in the same Owerri North Council area.
Onyeagboko from Okwu Uratta in the Owerri North Council area. There is also Emmanuel Ojinere from Ahiazu Mbaise; Ken Ojiri from Owala Uratta from Owerri North LGA as well as Chief Jerry Chukwueke from Awaka, in the same Owerri North Council area.
The tempo is mounting as politicians across the state politic with the view of positioning a candidate who will give them the Imo of their aspirations. However, many observers project that the pendulum is likely to swing between these two contending forces: APC and PDP
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