Imo Governorship Race Narrow To PDP, APC – Owerri Endorse Anyanwu – Orlu Insist On Uzodinma

By Joshua Chibuzo Andrew, Owerri

The battle for who will occupy the Imo Douglas House is becoming more interesting after the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) had shortlisted candidates who are expected to participate in the November 11 Poll inline with the Constitution of the Federal Republic.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who is popularly known as Samdaddy is the candidate of the Opposition (PDP) Peoples Democratic Party, a two term Imo State House Of Assembly member, Former Executive Chairman Of Ikeduru Local Government Area and an influential Senator Of the Republic who performed credibly well in the 8th assembly House led by then Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

Anyanwu, according to opinion moulders gained more popularity in the national politics when he presided over one of the most strategic committee, Ethics And Privileges in the 8th Assembly Senate, after which he was elected as the national secretary of the peoples Democratic Party.

He also contested for imo Governorship election in 2019 where he lost to Rt. Honourable Emeka Ihedioha in the PDP Guber primary election.

Anyanwu and his friendly Opponent, Governor Hope Uzodinma the incumbent Govenor of Imo State, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11 poll were Colleagues in the 8th assembly Senate.

Uzodinma and Anyanwu’s polical friendship is confusing Imo electorates who have wondered why the two close friends and political giants could be in the ballot at the same time battling for Imo governorship seat.

Despite Anyanwu’s continuous threat to Sack Uzodinma from Imo Government House, the Imo born APC toughest Governor seems to be stronger as he Continues to buy the PDP finest team players over to his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, thereby weakening the Anyanwu political force.

The April 16th, 2023 tsunami of the labour Governorship primary election in imo is said to have narrowed the battle to APC and the PDP, considering the Controversial circumstances that produced over four Candidates for the labour party in the state.

The incumbent Govenor, Uzodinma considered to drop his former running mate, Placid Njoku , who is the current deputy governor of the state, out of his fear of loosing grip, picked a beautiful woman, Barr Mrs. Ekomaro from Mbaitoli, Considering the plea from Imo women, led by her Excellency Betty Akiridolu Ondo state first lady who solicited for a woman to occupy the position of Imo D-gov in the state after January 14th, 2024.

The kindergarten gender equity gimmicks is said not to have ended well with Uzodinma considering the recent Political alliance and realignment for the preparation of the November poll.

Recall that couple of months ago, leaders of the state from Orlu Zone extraction endorsed Uzodinma as their preferred Candidate for the Governorship race.

Reasons for their unanimous endorsement for Uzodinma’s second term bid was not far from his achievements in the office; Uzodinma led administration have done good roads in the state within his three year in the office. No doubt his administration is not as bad as it is badly criticised by individuals who are not in love with his style.

But characters and personalities behind this endorsement are not far from people who are widely known as Political jobbers from Orlu Senatorial District.

Uzodinma’s recent endorsement from his Orlu kinsmen have sparked fighter and as well drew an untold battle line between Orlu and owerri zone, while okigwe is not likely in the race for now, charter of equity may play out in no distance time.

Just barely 48 hours after Uzodinma returned back to Abuja, Anyanwu the PDP candidate was unanimously endorsed alongside his strong running mate, Honourable Jones Onyeriri by by leaders in owerri zone..

Going for transparent poll, no doubt, It would be a difficult race. Anyanwu may not have the financial strength to battle the incumbent Govenor Hope Uzodinma. He may not afford to battle his opponent while his house is yet to be put in order. The people Democratic Party in Imo need healing and deliverance at this point.

That notwithstanding, Anyanwu is a magic man right from time, and his Divine mandate journey is indeed blessed with a likable running mate who is one of the most acceptable politicians in Imo State politics. Anyanwu’s joint ticket with Jones stands tall above others and may affect Uzodinma chances.

Truth be told, politicians in okigwe are not United, they may likely play spoiling game either against the incumbent Govenor, Uzodinma who is From Orlu, or for Samuel Anyanwu, a Candidate from Owerri zone, just Like in 2011 when Owerri zone spoilt Ohakim, the then incumbent govenor’s ticket of returning to Douglas House.

Political Giants in Owerri, likes of Akakem, Iwuanyanwu, Nlemigbo, Odunna of his blessed memory who sees themselves as kingmakers all supported Ohakim who failed woefully in the election and was unseated unceremoniously by Okorocha, the then Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Apart from late Odunna, both Iwuanyanwu, Nlemigbo and Akakem are currently stakeholders in Uzodinma’s administration, an inquisitive may ask if imo political history of 2011 may repeat itself in 2023. This is an important question for governor Uzodimma and his star players from Owerri zone.

Charter of equity may play out in Imo November poll if the incumbent Govenor, Hope Uzodinma loses Abuja grips. And definitely it won’t favour and his party, coming from a particular zone the have governed the state for 20 years.

Surprisingly, On Thursday, 20th, July Anyanwu, the PDP candidate was reportedly endorsed by Ihedioha’s kinsmen, from Ezinihitte Mbaise .

At the Palace of the Traditional Ruler of Okpofe autonomous community, Ezinihite Mbaise LGA, HRH Eze Surv. Reginald J.C Aguwamba (Ezeoha II of Okpofe), in attendance;
Some prominent leaders in Mbaise nation who reassured the party’s Governorship candidate, Senator Anyanwu of victory include, Barr Paschal G.U Madu, Chief Augustine Ndukwe, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) and Barr Anamelechi Aguwa (former Attorney General, Imo State), among others.

Anyanwu, after receiving their endorsement said that his intention to contest the Governorship election was to salvage the state, restore security, boost the economy and create employment for the teeming youths.

He maintained that Imo state would experience a change of administration in November 11 Governorship election, and charged Mbaise people to remain resolute and steadfast in their bid to witness an end to kidnapping and killings in the state.

According to him, the excrutiating pains Imo people are passing through at present is an indication that the current administration in the state has woefully failed and as such, has exhausted all its chances to be reasonable in the discharge of its duties.

Anyanwu’s recent endorsement in Mbaise by Ihedioha’s kinsmen could be seen as a breakthrough for him ahead of the November 11 Imo governorship poll.

But the coast seem not to be clear for Anyanwu and his running mate, while Uzodinma has relocated to Abuja for over one month for his purported quest to gain president Tinubu’s endorsement, his men are in grassroots mobilizing Support for his second term bid.

On Friday, Uzodinma’s chief of staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyehe led group of Orlu leaders to galvanize Support for Uzodinma. In the said meeting, Orlu stakeholders insisted on Uzodinma’s second term bid.

The Orlu stakeholders meeting held in Nkwere Njaba and Nwangele also resolved to deliver their son Uzodinma who’s scorecard was scored High.