Uzodinma picks Chinyere Ekomaru as new running mate, dumps deputy Placid Njoku

In a strategic move ahead of the impending November 11, 2023 governorship election in Imo State, the incumbent Governor and gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hope Uzodinma, has made a significant shift in his political lineup. The governor officially introduced his chosen running mate, Chinyere Ekomaru, during a ceremony held in the state capital, Owerri, on Saturday.

Governor Uzodinma clarified that his decision to replace his current deputy, Placid Njoku, with Ekomaru wasn’t indicative of any discord with Njoku. Rather, the change was attributed to comprehensive considerations driven by both ecumenical and political dynamics.

With the upcoming election on the horizon, Governor Uzodinma is poised to secure his hold on the state’s leadership, striving to outpace his competitors including Lincoln Ogunewe of the Action Alliance (AA), Senator Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Senator Athan Achonu of the Labour Party (LP), among others.

The political landscape is further shaped by regional representation, as Ogunewe and Senator Anyanwu hail from the Imo East senatorial zone, Senator Athan from Imo North, and Uzodinma from Imo West.

As the state prepares for the election, pressing issues such as security concerns, instances of property arson, loss of life, rural underdevelopment, and workers’ welfare have remained at the forefront of public discourse. The outcome of the election will significantly influence the direction of Imo State’s future development and governance.