2027: Let Ihedioha Lead the Way

by Maazi Obinna Akuwudike

The November 11, 2023 Governorship election in Imo State saw a significant voter apathy, with over 70% of registered voters abstaining from casting their ballots.

I don’t blame them. Who were they going to vote for?

This trend of disinterest began long before election day. The apathy among the people of Imo State started immediately after former governor Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha withdrew from the race.

Faced with the remaining candidates, many in Imo decided to let the incumbent governor continue for another four years rather than gamble on uncertain alternatives.

The situation would have been different if Ihedioha had been in the race.

In my opinion, Ihedioha made the right choice by stepping back from the election.

It was evident that the system within the PDP was rigged against him, making it impossible for him to win the party’s primary despite his strong support base. Walking away from the PDP remains one of his best decisions, as the party’s former strength has crumbled, leaving its members exposed and vulnerable.

Ihedioha’s brief tenure in Douglas House demonstrated his understanding and commitment to addressing the issues facing Ndi Imo. He had laid out clear plans to tackle the state’s challenges.

It was the foundation and roadmap set by Ihedioha that Uzodimma built upon to achieve his few successes in office.

Before Ihedioha became governor, the pension system in Imo State was in disarray. Retirees had gone years without receiving their pensions, with many passing away without reaping the benefits of their lifelong labor.

Ihedioha reformed the system, and within months, retirees began receiving their pensions after eight years of neglect.

Imo was on the brink of decay and infrastructural collapse until Ihedioha stepped in. He set the path that Uzodinma has been attempting to follow.

However, Uzodinma has not been able to follow through on all of Ihedioha’s ideas, particularly in the areas of agriculture, youth development, and commerce. These were sectors where Ihedioha was making commendable strides before his unfortunate removal from office on January 14, 2020.

I believe it is time to put Imo State back on the path of genuine development by allowing the initiator of the Rebuild Imo project, an idea that Uzodinma has been attempting to build upon, to take over and complete what he started.

Only the originator of an idea can perfect it.

I have taken my time to study those vying to succeed Uzodinma in 2027, and if I must be truthful, there is nobody I would rather support than Emeka Ihedioha.

I have never been his fan, but there are moments in life when you must put aside personal sentiments and stand for the truth so that posterity will judge you fairly.

That time is now. It is time we reawaken that burning desire within us to make Imo State better.

Many events have dampened our morale, but I assure you, if we stand up for what is right and back the best man for the job, we will become the envy of everyone once again.

Abia State used to be a state everybody mocked until they stood up and put the best man in office.

Today, they have become an example of good governance.

Let’s let Ihedioha lead the way!