Imo PDP Governorship Ticket: Ihedioha in Pole Position

Emeka Ihedioha

As Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State votes to pick its candidate for next year’s governorship polls monday Uneze, in Owerri, looks at those likely to win the ticket

The delegates’ elections of November 1 and the House of Assembly primaries polls held penultimate Saturday have seemed to confirm the frontline positions of some of aspirants ahead of tomorrow’s governorship primaries of Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State. Going by the already cleared and accepted primaries held across the state, about six of the over 40 aspirants for the governorship ticket are contesting the governorship primary. But they can also agree to harmonise their positions and choose one person who would be supported to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress.
Following are the aspirants.

Ihedioha
Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, is no doubt a frontline aspirant in the race for the governorship ticket of PDP in Imo State. He may only be waiting to be confirmed. In the ward delegates’ elections, loyalists of Ihedioha and those supported by his structures emerged as party delegates almost throughout the state. Apart from a few local government areas like Isiala Mbano and Owerri North, where other aspirants hold sway, the deputy speaker has emerged tops in the delegates’ polls.
Even in Orlu zone, where a political stalwart of the party is believed to be very influential, Ihedioha has broken very good grounds and is set to make a formidable mark at the primaries of tomorrow

Stunned by the brilliant performance of Ihedioha in the ward elections, some aspirants, especially, from Owerri zone, were said to have attempted a gang up against him by alleging irregularities in the exercise and a cancelation of the same. But the alliance of convenience crumbled when at least two of the aspirants said to have signed a petition to the national headquarters of the party denied being part of it and alleged forgery of their signatures. And that was how the gang up failed and Ihedioha’s hand was further strengthened.
In the Assembly primary elections to pick candidates, Ihedioha’s loyalists and beneficiaries of his state-wide structure also emerged victorious, further reinforcing his frontline standing among the contenders for the PDP governorship ticket. In some meetings with the delegates called at the instance of the deputy speaker, the party’s electoral college members openly pledged their support for Ihedioha, prompting some aspirants to get nervous and even contemplate withdrawal.

The deputy speaker is, no doubt, the prominent aspirant with the clout, capacity and political muscle to confront the incumbent and deliver Imo State for PDP. He is also financially ready for the task ahead, should he get the ticket.
The frontline place of Ihedioha’s aspiration was affirmed recently when he received accolades from key leaders of the National Working Committee of PDP. The national organising secretary of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, who handed him the nomination form, showered praises on the deputy speaker, describing him as a leading light of the party. The PDP deputy national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, received Ihedioha in his office and declared that the party was proud of him. Secondus said with aspirants like Ihedioha the party was sure of reclaiming Imo State. He said Ihedioha had showed loyalty and immense service to the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan, especially, in the House of Representatives.

“We wish you well and we want to commend you for all you have done for the party as the deputy speaker. You have supported the party. You have supported the president,” the deputy national chairman had said.

Ihedioha has also received commendation and open endorsement from key party leaders in Imo State, including the leader of South Caucus of PDP and member of the party’s Board of Trustees, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, (BOT), former governor of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa, and Chief Francis Nzeribe, both of whom are key leaders of PDP in Orlu senatorial zone and, indeed, Imo State. Former PDP national vice chairman (South-east) and leader of the party in Okigwe Zone, Chief Fidelis Izuchukwu, has also commended the deputy speaker.

Besides, Ihedioha’s aspiration is supported by the zoning arrangement in the state. Of the three zones – Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe – that make up the state, it is Owerri zone, where the deputy speaker hails from, that is the most short-changed in terms of the governorship and the people have mounted a strong campaign for power shift to the area. Although, Ihedioha stands tall in terms of competence, qualification, preparation and visionary focus to govern Imo State, the zoning clamour will also count in his favour.

Ohakim
Dr. Ikedi Ohakim is one man Imo people would like to work with again as a second tenure governor. His first experience as governor between 2007 and 2011 was adjudged to be one of the best moments for the people in terms of its cleanliness, solid infrastructure, free flow of ideas and economic growth.
From the last House of Assembly primaries held in the state, it could be also said that Ohakim’s men, popularly referred to as Team Ohakim, gained some prominence. In Owerri West, former Development Centre Coordinator in the Ohakim administration, who has remained a staunch member of team Ohakim, emerged. The story was the same for Owerri Municipal.

In Orlu Local Government Area, some of the Ohakim’s men were also said to have scaled through the primaries. The former governor has strength and character and he is ready to spring surprises at the primaries tomorrow.

Agbaso
Chief Martin Agabso is another serious contender who is well respected both locally and internationally. He commands good followership from both PDP and All Progressives Grand Alliance. As a grassroots mobiliser, the Emekuku-born politician played a major role in the emergence of Chief Rochas Okorocha under the platform of APGA. Being the former leader of APGA in the state, Agbaso still commands support from the new and old PDP fateful. His strength lies in his grassroots appeal and he is widely addressed as “papa umuogbenye” (father of the poor). He is generally seen as a bridge builder due to his friend with virtually all other aspirants.
Having played a prominent role in the election of Okorocha in 2011, Agbaso is widely seen as the most equipped person to contest against the APC. His drawback may be that he seems not to have the financial muscle like Ihedioha and Ohakim.

Njemanze
As a lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Chief Ken Njemanze is widely seen as intellectually and emotionally prepared for the governorship position.
A knight of the Anglican Church and the son of the soil from the famous Njemanze dynasty of Owerri, Ken Njemanze is a quiet and fine administrator that has the blessings of some delegates.

Amadi
Rt. Hon. Bethel Amadi is the current president of the Pan African Parliament that sits in South Africa. Amadi’s leadership has been applauded for bringing about some unprecedented growth in the parliament’s global recognition and prominence. His desire to reposition Imo State is a task that may be supported by many delegates who believe that with his numerous achievements at the international arena Imo under him would be a success story.
Amadi has promised to generally re-establish good governance, restore and deepen local government administration as a potent instrument for sustainable development, create jobs for the youth population, boost agriculture, and ensure free and qualitative education and sound healthcare delivery systems.


Chukwueke
Chief Jerry Chukwueke is called “people’s choice” or “the great mobiliser” by his supporters. He is a popular in grassroots mobilisation. He is chairman of the State PDP Committee on Mobilisation, and this position made him popular among the powerful PDP power blocs as well as the delegates.

Chukwueke played a prominent role in the revitalisation of PDP in the state, he has continued to play a key role in efforts to ensure the party remains strong and united.