Mike Nwachukwu, a prominent Imo politician, has thrown his weight behind former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, declaring him the strongest candidate from Owerri Zone to contest and win the 2028 Imo State gubernatorial election.
During a press conference in Imo on July 21st, Mike Nwachukwu pointed out looming challenges for Owerri Zone as the next general election approaches, warning that without strategic planning, the zone’s people risk repeating past patterns of missed opportunities.
Mike Nwachukwu outlined ‘Four Unshakable Imperatives’ as a guiding framework for Owerri’s political aspirants. His key recommendations include: 1. Retiring the ‘charter of equity’ to avoid confusion,
2. Securing strategic party tickets and nominations across parties,
3. Initiating formal, structured dialogue with Okigwe zone, and
4. Supporting a candidate with a proven track record of political organization and resources.”
“Nwachukwu asserted that former Governor Emeka Ihedioha is uniquely positioned to mount a credible challenge and win the next election. He stated, “The one person from Owerri Zone with the political will, administrative acumen, and grassroots support to secure the governorship in Imo State is H.E. Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. While others may have the qualifications, only he has the winning formula.” Nwachukwu added that despite their long-standing cordial relationship, they had previously differed in their political affiliations.”
“My conclusion is borne not of emotion, but of dispassionate analysis. He approaches politics with clinical efficiency. His Rebuild Imo structure reaches every corner of the state. His charisma mobilizes men, women, and youth alike. He is a household name; a political capital earned over years, not conjured by chance.
“I don’t know the details of his financial capacity, but I have no doubt that he can marshal the resources needed, directly or indirectly.
“He is tested. His political résumé speaks volumes: Committee Chair, Majority Whip, Deputy Speaker, Acting Speaker, and, for seven purposeful months, Governor of Imo State. Those seven months remain, in the eyes of many, a benchmark for transparent governance, security reform, and infrastructural development. His TSA Reforms, Centralized Billing, and Open Governance Model laid the foundation upon which today’s administration continues to build.
“As we engage Okigwe Zone, and eventually Orlu Zone, Owerri Zone must present its strongest hand. H.E. Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha is not just the Trump Card, he is our Joker.
Nwachukwu expressed hope that with a well structured formal engagement between Owerri and Okigwe Zones, a political dimensional shift will be achieved. “The reality is simple and unchanging: Owerri Zone with its nine LGAs cannot produce a Governor alone. Okigwe Zone, with six LGAs, equally cannot. But together? A combined fifteen LGAs present a formidable voting bloc. When bolstered by just three LGAs from Orlu Zone, the constitutional threshold of two-thirds of Imo’s 27 LGAs, the path to victory becomes mathematically and politically viable. Hence, it becomes imperative that Owerri Zone gets its act together. The time for fragmentation is over. Even the current Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, echoed similar sentiments when Owerri Zone leaders visited him months ago”.
