For over three months, the political terrain in Imo State has been inundated with premature campaigns and lofty aspirations for the 2027 gubernatorial election. The most conspicuous of these is the rise of Dr. Chima Amadi, a figure whose presence in the state’s political sphere has been virtually non-existent until recently. His emergence has sparked questions about the integrity and motivations behind his sudden political visibility, raising concerns over his role in the broader landscape of Imo State politics.
Dr. Amadi’s political rise can be viewed as the latest example of opportunistic movements by aggrieved political jobbers — individuals who have long been dissatisfied with the current administration but are now opportunistically aligning themselves with figures they perceive to be a means to an end. A closer examination of Amadi’s political background, however, reveals a series of troubling associations and questionable actions that suggest his interests may not align with the progress or well-being of Imo State.
Amadi’s name first gained widespread recognition, not in Imo State politics, but as a controversial figure in the workings of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He was involved in the development and implementation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), a technological innovation meant to bring credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process. However, rather than being a savior, BVAS ended up being a double-edged sword, exposing the vulnerabilities and corruptibility of the electoral system in Nigeria. Critics have pointed to the introduction of BVAS as a catalyst for further electoral chaos, contributing to the distortion of democratic processes across the country.
Despite these controversies, Amadi appears to be betting on his newfound wealth—allegedly amassed through dealings within the electoral system—as a foundation for his current political ambitions. He seems to believe that the financial resources garnered from his alleged contracts with INEC will be enough to curry favor with political jobbers, who have been abandoned by the current administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma. For these “jobless politicians”—individuals who have failed to secure meaningful roles or positions within the current political structure—Amadi’s sudden rise provides a glimmer of hope that they can once again latch onto a potential political career.
However, this has led many to question the motivations behind his political campaign. Dr. Amadi’s newfound interest in Imo State politics seems less about genuine service to the people and more about exploiting the desperation of politically marginalized individuals. His emergence as a potential gubernatorial candidate for 2027 appears to be a tactical move, leveraging the disillusionment of those who feel excluded from the current political order.
Amadi’s candidacy, much like a Mgbada (a traditional offering made to appease or placate individuals), seems to be aimed at placating the political jobbers and scavengers who have yet to make their mark in Imo’s political framework. By offering them hope of a political future, Amadi is, in essence, buying their loyalty and support with promises of future rewards. This not only undermines the political integrity of Imo State but also perpetuates the cycle of political patronage that has long been a bane to good governance.
As the state approaches the 2027 elections, it is crucial for Imo citizens to be vigilant about the motives of emerging political figures like Dr. Chima Amadi. While many may be seduced by promises of wealth and influence, it is vital to scrutinize the track record and ethical standing of those who seek to govern. Amadi’s political trajectory, if left unchecked, could become yet another chapter in the history of opportunistic power grabs at the expense of genuine progress and meaningful leadership for the people of Imo State.
In the end, it is up to the people of Imo State to decide whether they will allow this political Mgbada—this sudden offering to placate the jobless politicians—to dictate the course of their future, or whether they will demand leaders who have proven their worth and commitment to the state. As the 2027 gubernatorial election looms, the citizens of Imo must be discerning, ensuring that they do not fall victim to the same cycles of corruption and patronage that have plagued the state for years.
Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis.
🌎OLU-IMO MEDIA
Public Affairs Analyst.