Imo Guber: Meet the major contenders, their chances

In just two days, Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo State residents will head to the polls to elect their successive governors in an off-cycle governorship poll, scheduled for November 11.

 

This momentous occasion is not just about casting votes; it’s a significant event that will shape the future of these states, taking place in a backdrop of multifaceted security challenges that have profoundly impacted the Southeast region. The implications are vast, and the choices made will be pivotal in determining the course of governance and security dynamics in this part of Nigeria.

Security Challenges in the Southeast Region:

The Southeast region of Nigeria has grappled with a series of daunting security challenges that have left a trail of devastation in their wake. Between January 2021 and June 2023, the region witnessed a tragic loss of over 1,700 lives. This alarming toll can be attributed to a diverse range of factors, reflecting the complexity of the security issues at hand.

Protests, driven by political and social grievances, have frequently escalated into violent clashes, adding to the tally of casualties. Armed confrontations between security forces and various groups, as well as inter-group disputes, have further fueled the insecurity.

Kidnappings have become an unsettling hallmark of the region’s security landscape, with victims often held for ransom. Mob violence and vigilantism have also contributed to the grim statistics, reflecting the breakdown of law and order in some areas.

The activities of secessionist groups have not only exacerbated the security challenges but have also given rise to violent incidents, particularly in the context of their demands for secession.

Electoral violence, intertwined with political rivalries and contentious electoral processes, has left an indelible mark on the region’s security landscape.

However, ahead of the poll, PoliticsNow beams its focus on the major contenders of the Imo governorship election. While there are 17 candidates vying for the state’s number one position, three candidates have been singled out as the favourites to emerge as Governor of the state.

Meet The Main Contenders Of The Imo Governorship Election

Amidst these challenges, the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Imo State holds immense significance. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted clearance to a total of 17 candidates to vie for the coveted gubernatorial position. While the field is diverse, three major contenders have captured the spotlight in this high-stakes electoral contest.

Hope Uzodinma (APC): Hope Uzodinma has been in the gubernatorial office of Imo State since 2020, a tenure that commenced amidst controversy. The Supreme Court nullified the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP, declaring Uzodinma the winner, despite his initial fourth-place finish in the INEC results. Uzodinma, who also holds the position of chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, leverages the advantages of incumbency and enjoys unwavering support from the APC, a party with a national mandate. Notably, in a strategic move in August, Uzodinma replaced his deputy, introducing Chinyere Ekomaru as his running mate for the upcoming election.

Athan Achonu (LP): Athan Achonu, representing the Labour Party (LP), comes with a unique background. He served as a senator in the National Assembly before facing legal challenges that led to his removal. His journey has been defined by resilience, particularly in the face of disability. If Achonu secures victory in the election, he would carve his name in history as the nation’s first amputee governor. His campaign also hinges on the LP’s past successes in the South East during the general elections of February and March.

Samuel Anyanwu (PDP): Samuel Anyanwu, a former National Secretary of the PDP, has thrown his hat into the ring for the governorship election in Imo State. His political journey has included serving as a senator in the 8th National Assembly and an unsuccessful bid for the PDP’s gubernatorial ticket in 2019, where he lost to Emeka Ihedioha during the party’s primary. Anyanwu’s extensive experience also includes roles as a former local government chairman and State House of Assembly member from 2007 to 2015. He is well-versed in the intricacies of local politics in the state.

While there are other candidates in the running for the governorship position in Imo State, these three figures stand out as the major contenders with substantial chances of emerging victorious in the upcoming election.

In the midst of these political dynamics and security challenges, the election on Saturday will serve as a defining moment for Imo State and a reflection of the region’s broader political and security landscape. The choices made by the electorate will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of governance and security in these states and carry lasting implications for the future.