2023: Uzodimma Risks Gang Up, Okorocha, Ihedioha, Araraume, Others May Form Alliance
Hope Uzodinma
By Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Certainly, there are fresh and emerging dynamics in Imo politics ahead of 2023 which may put Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State on the verge of a political gang up geared towards frustrating all his political ambitions if he continues to wear the toga of am in charge.
It’s an obvious political truth that almost all the major political players in the State are not with Uzodimma except Emeka Nwajiuba, the Minister of State for Education, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu an unpredictable political godfather and Sir Tony Chukwu a multi billionaire businessman contractor.
It’s equally frightening that within the fold of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Imo State, Uzodimma is at cross roads with his predecessor, Senator Rochas Okorocha and the court instituted state chairman of the party, Mr.Dan Nwafor.
The duo have been involved in altercations over who controls the soul of the All Progressive Congress, APC in the State, surprisingly, Okorocha still have overwhelmed grassroots support and control. The on going membership reregistration is a test case.
Aside Okorocha and others, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, is also not on the same page with Governor Uzodimma.This was evident during the build up of the APC primary for Okigwe senate bye election.
Uzodimma is a staunch backer of Frank Ibezim for Okigwe senate seat. And this played out during the Okigwe senatorial election held on December 5, 2020, where Uzodimma alongside Nwajiuba, supported Ibezim and opposed Araraume’s candidature.
Beside on legal twist even though APC won the senatorial election no candidate was named and subsequent legal tussles seems to undermine the chances of having APC Senator representing the Imo North Senatorial seat in the Senate.
Outside the APC fold, major political actors in the State particularly those in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP are expectedly opposed to Uzodimma.
The PDP has maintained its consistent opposition to the Governor since the Supreme Court sacked Emeka Ihedioha as Governor of the State on January 14, 2020.
Former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, another major player in Imo politics, is obviously preparing the grounds to run for Imo governorship in 2023 against Uzodimma.
Though he has not openly kicked against the present Shared Prosperity administration, Ihedioha has emerged a rallying factor for the opposition in the State.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who had represented Imo East at the Senate from 2015- 2019, had in the early days of the Uzodimma administration, drummed support for the Governor. But he has now recanted having reconciled his differences with his party.
Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim’s political direction is uncertain and it is not known if he is a strong backer of Uzodimma. Another set of APC chieftains called APC Coalition led by former Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, former Secretary to Imo State Government, George Eche are yet to get integrated into the Uzodimma’s administration and they are desperately looking for an opportunity for pay back.
Based on the present political configuration in the State, analysts contend that political foes of Uzodimma may come up with an alliance against the Governor in 2023, however Uzodimma being an old war horse may have his strategic plans to retain power and relevance in his hidden political war chest.
