8 Politicians Likely To Jostle For Orlu Senatorial Zone Seat In 2027

With the Independent National Electoral Commission granting approval for political parties to conduct their primary elections this year in preparation for the general election in 2027, journalist CHIDIEBUBE OKEOMA provides an in-depth analysis of the political figures who may enter the race, which promises to be intense and captivating.

Hope Uzodimma:

Governor Hope Uzodimma, currently serving his second and final term as the governor of Imo State, is widely anticipated to enter the senatorial race. As the Omuma-born chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Uzodimma’s political influence within the current APC administration might secure him a prominent position in the Senate if he chooses to contest and win. Should he pursue the Imo West (Orlu zone) senatorial seat, he would benefit from his familiarity with the region, having represented the district in the National Assembly from 2011 to 2019. Securing the APC ticket for the district is likely to be a manageable task for him, given his strong command of the APC in the state and his substantial following in the senatorial district.

Osita Izunaso:

Osita Izunaso, who presently represents Orlu zone in the Senate, is a seasoned lawmaker, having first been elected to the Senate in 2007. He is expected to seek reelection and leverage his position to strategize for a principal role in the 11th Senate, contingent on the APC retaining power at the center. However, the governor’s potential interest in his position poses a challenge for Izunaso, a former member of the House of Representatives from Oru West. While Uzodimma and Izunaso are considered brothers and political allies, their interests may clash in the Orlu zone senatorial contest, leading to a dynamic pre-general election scenario within the Orlu zone APC. This promises to be an engaging development.

Ugonna Ozurigbo:

Ugonna Ozurigbo, commonly known as OZB, is a former Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly and a two-time National Assembly member. In December 2023, he was removed from the National Assembly by court order. As a highly accomplished lawmaker, OZB is likely to pursue the Orlu zone’s most prestigious political position under the Action Peoples Party banner. Should he contest, the Nwangele-born businessman and politician would represent formidable competition for candidates from the APC and ADC, owing to his extensive following, social capital, and investments in human resources, infrastructure, education, and healthcare across Local Government Areas in the Orlu zone.

Jones Onyereri:

Jones Onyereri, who is expected to emerge as the Peoples Democratic Party candidate in Orlu zone, is widely regarded as the true victor of the 2019 Orlu zone senatorial election. He enters this list with a reputation for goodwill among the people of the zone. Onyereri, hailing from Nkwerre LGA, has expressed his aspiration to represent his senatorial district in the Senate following his tenure as a two-time member of the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. Known as Mmiri na Anwu, Onyereri was disqualified from contesting the 2023 Orlu zone senatorial election after winning the PDP primary held in Owerri, the State capital. Despite his disqualification, he garnered a substantial number of votes from supporters during the election. He is determined to conduct thorough preparations for his third attempt to represent his senatorial district.

Ugochinyere Imo:

Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo, currently representing Ideato North and Ideato South federal constituency in the House of Representatives, possesses significant political capital. His grassroots-oriented approach has earned him a place in the hearts of people within his federal constituency and beyond. Renowned for his courage and outspoken nature, Imo has successfully navigated numerous political challenges. Speculation is rife that he intends to pursue the Orlu zone senatorial position with the Action Peoples Party. With his fellow party member, OZB, also expressing interest in the position, a primary election between Imo and OZB, both grassroots politicians, promises to be intriguing. Observations will be made as events unfold.

ThankGod Ezeani:

ThankGod Ezeani, a former member of the House of Representatives, is eager to represent his constituents in the Senate. He lost the 2023 PDP primary election to Jones Onyereri but subsequently challenged the jurisdiction of the primary election, which took place outside the Orlu zone in Owerri. This legal action resulted in Onyereri’s disqualification and left the PDP without a candidate in the main election. Ezeani remains engaged with his constituency and is currently affiliated with the ADC, a party forming alliances nationwide to challenge the APC at the center. Should he choose to enter the race, he is unlikely to be easily dismissed.

Uche Nwosu

Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, hailing from Nkwerre Local Government Area, is a politician and businessman who enjoys significant popularity among the youth population in the Orlu senatorial district and beyond. Appreciated by the youth for his investments in infrastructure, education, and human resources, Nwosu enters the contest with a substantial following and would likely be favored by the populace should he decide to run. Political speculations suggest that his supporters may influence him to participate in the Orlu zone senatorial election, though whether Nwosu will succumb to this pressure remains to be seen.

Charles Orie:

Charles Orie, a businessman and politician, has expressed his ambition to succeed Uzodimma as governor, but there are political considerations that he may first contest the Orlu zone senatorial election. With the Imo State governorship election scheduled for the last quarter of 2027 and the inauguration set for January 2028, there are strategic considerations that the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area-born billionaire and former Managing Director of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission could strengthen his prospects of becoming the state’s chief executive by initially vying for the Orlu zone senatorial seat. With his substantial financial resources, connections with the governor, and strong ties to the presidency, Orie, popularly known as Akuatugwu, would be a formidable candidate should he decide to enter the race, which promises to be both engaging and intricate.