BY OUR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT — The political landscape of the South-East is witnessing a seismic shift as Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State officially kicked off a campaign to dismantle the opposition’s grip on the region. During a packed consultative meeting with Abia APC stalwarts in Owerri, the Governor sent a clear message to the nation: the “Obi-wave” of 2023 was a one-time anomaly.
“What happened in the South East in 2023 is a political accident that will not repeat itself,” Uzodimma declared, signaling a shift from the reactionary politics of the past to a proactive strategy focused on the 2027 polls.
Bridging the Gap to the Center The Lagos Times understands that the meeting was more than just a courtesy call; it was a tactical briefing. Uzodimma, often seen as the APC’s arrowhead in the East, argued that the region’s penchant for voting for the opposition has led to a deficit in federal influence. By aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Uzodimma believes the South-East can finally claim its rightful share of the national cake.
“We must get more votes for the President,” the Governor insisted, adding that the goal is to make the presidency “indebted” to the South-East through massive electoral support. He also touched on the sensitive issue of regional security, promising to “enforce peace” to ensure a conducive environment for political and economic growth.
The Abia Factor The presence of Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu added significant weight to the proceedings. Kalu, who has been increasingly vocal about the governance gap in his home state of Abia, did not mince words. He took aim at the Abia State government, claiming the current leadership has prioritized propaganda over actual infrastructure.
“In Abia, what we see is noise on social media without corresponding development on ground,” Kalu stated. He urged the party faithful to look at the “Imo Model” under Uzodimma as a blueprint for what the APC can achieve when given the mandate. For Kalu and the Abia delegation, 2027 is a “must-win” mission to reposition the state into the national mainstream.
A United Front The meeting saw a “who’s who” of South-Eastern APC leadership, including Ijeoma Arodiogbu, Nkiru Onyejiocha, and Emeka Wogu. The consensus was clear: the era of fragmented interests is over. The party leaders resolved to approach the 2027 elections as a disciplined, single unit.
As the APC prepares its machinery, the Owerri gathering serves as a warning shot to opposition parties: the ruling party is no longer content with being the underdog in the South-East. With 2027 on the horizon, the “political accident” of the past is being cleared away for what Uzodimma hopes will be a smooth highway to victory.
