Imo electoral battle: Uzodinma, Achonu, Anyanwu seek victory amid tensions

As Imo State residents turn out for today’s election, concerns loom over insecurity and waning confidence in the electoral process, potentially leading eligible voters to abstain from participating.

Imo has grappled with the activities of unknown gunmen and non-state actors for over three years, posing a significant threat to the ongoing election. INEC reported registering 2,419,922 individuals for the election, with 2,318,919 having collected their PVCs.

Seventeen candidates seek to unseat incumbent Governor Hope Uzodinma of the APC, who is pursuing a second term. However, only two are perceived as genuine contenders.

Political analysts and development experts anticipate how the incumbent governor and two primary candidates will divide 2.3 million votes.

Prof Uche Amadi, a university lecturer, highlights high potential for voter apathy due to insecurity and mistrust in INEC. The crisis-affected areas of Orsu, Orlu, Oru-east, Okigwe, Ehime-Mbano may see reluctance due to safety concerns. Additionally, skepticism prevails regarding INEC’s impartiality.

Among the 17 gubernatorial candidates, Uzodinma, Senator Athan Achonu of the Labour Party (LP), and Senator Samuel Anyanwu of the PDP emerge as frontrunners, according to experts.

Senator Achonu, known as the “One Arm General,” stands out with his ‘aku ruoulo’ (invest home) plan, promoting industrial farms and positioning himself as a significant investor in Imo State. His ties to Peter Obi and a boost from Obi’s recent visit contribute to his campaign momentum.

PDP’s Senator Samuel Anyanwu, aka Samdaddy, boasts extensive political experience, having served as a senator, House of Representatives member, local government chairman, and party official. However, lingering party discontents from sidelining Chief Emeka Ihedioha may pose challenges.

Political analyst Barr Stanley Emana suggests that the recent attack on the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Owerri could impact Governor Uzodinma negatively.

As the electoral drama unfolds, the candidates face the challenge of navigating through various obstacles in their pursuit of victory.