Ahead of the 2023 general election, fear has gripped the Government of Imo State and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC following the rousing receptions being accorded the former governor of the state, Emeka Ihedioha at public events.
According to a credible source, the rousing reception is a source of worry not only to the hierarchy of the party but also the incumbent governor, Hope Uzodimma.
A video in circulation shows short-lived and subdued cheers on the introduction of Governor Uzodimma at last Sunday’s thanksgiving service in honour of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Chief Iwuanyanwu clocked 80 years and marked with pomp and pageantry on September 4.
But on the announcement of the presence of Ihedioha at the service held at the Cathedral of Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL) Owerri, a prolonged and deafening applause and jubilation erupted in the church.
Observers believe the rousing reception further affirms the popular endorsement and validation of Ihedioha, who groups have continued to plead with to offer himself for the governorship seat again in order to rebuild the state.
The presiding bishop, Bishop Okoro found it difficult calming down the congregation till on their own accord, they decided to conclude the celebration of the former governor.
Reports say Governor Uzodimma who was visibly rattled at the show of love which Ihedioha has garnered and continues to garner, has summoned a meeting of his top advisers to deliberate on the issue.
Again, when the governor was establishing his protocol before delivering his address, at the mention of Ihedioha, the crowd erupted in another wild jubilation and pledged their solidarity.
It is believed that Ihedioha will throw his hat again into the ring for the Imo State Governorship seat in the 2023 election.
But a group in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has kicked against plans to hand over the party’s ticket for the third time to the former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives.
The group said it is never done that a single individual would be granted the privilege to fly the party’s flag for same seat for three consecutive times as if the party and the ticket belong to him.
Ihedioha flew the PDP’s governorship flag in Imo State in 2015 and 2019.
He was declared winner of the 2019 governorship poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and on May 29, 2019 sworn-in as governor.
But seven months after, precisely on January 14, 2020, the Supreme Court ousted him and declared Senator Uzodimma, who placed fourth at the poll, winner.
