2027 Imo guber: Ihedioha mulls to join LP

The immediate-past Governor of Imo state, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, is said to have concluded plans to join the Labour Party, LP, preparatory to the 2027 Imo state governorship elections.

The ex-deputy speaker of House of Representatives, it would be recalled, voluntarily withdrew from the PDP governorship primary in the state few weeks before the exercise.

His withdrawal from the race gave the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, the opportunity to emerged the consensus guber candidate of the party.

Although, Ihedioha was rumoured to have defected to the ruling APC before the November 11 governorship election following the decamping of key executive members of the party said to be loyal to him (Ihedioha).

But a reliable source from the party told our reporter that the former Governor has now concluded plans to join the Labour Party which, according to him, is the best platform to wrestle power from the APC.

The source disclosed that Ihedioha has had series of secret meetings with the LP stakeholders in the state who have promised to give him maximum support.

However, speaking with a Chieftain of the LP who pleaded anonymity, he said the party will not welcome Ihedioha because, according to him, he (Ihedioha) talked down on both the party and its Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, whom he called a 'saboteur' during the campaign period.

He said, "it's better for him to go back to the PDP and unify the people. The time is still fresh to bring back those who left his party. As for Labour Party, he cannot be be welcomed."

Meanwhile, members of Ihedioha's Rebuild Imo Organization, last week convened a meeting in Owerri, the state capital, urging the former Governor to join the Labour Party.

But speaking with Ihedioha's Special Adviser on Electronic Media, AIC Akwarandu, he said, "While it is true that numerous supporters of Ihedioha are calling on him to have a rethink about his political future, the narrative on this write up is more speculative than factual. 

"Ihedioha has not responded to the call and when he does, his decision will not be a product of speculation but facts."

The prospect of Ihedioha's potential move to the LP has raised questions about his floppy relationship with influential figures within the party hierarchy, notably his affinity with Mr. Peter Obi, whose wave had given the party a name.

Ihedioha was the Imo state Governor for seven months after which he was sacked by the Supreme Court on the 14th January, 2020.