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Political stakeholders in Imo State have called on former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, technocrat Chima Amadi, and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Samuel Anyanwu, to contest the Owerri senatorial seat.
The appeal was made on Monday by a member of the Owerri Mandate Group, Pius Nwokedi, in a statement issued in Abuja shortly after what he described as a unanimous decision by stakeholders.
Nwokedi said the move forms part of broader political calculations in the zone as parties and interest groups begin positioning for the November 2027 governorship poll in Imo State.
According to him, the senatorial race is being viewed not merely as a legislative contest, but as a strategic stepping stone in the battle for the state’s top political office.
The Senate position for this season, whether anybody likes it or not, is a critical pathway to winning the governorship election for Owerri zone.
“That is why we are calling on our three sons – Emeka Ihedioha, Chima Amadi and Samuel Anyanwu to run for the seat.
“Whoever secures that mandate will gain the visibility and momentum to mount a serious governorship challenge later in the year,” ” he said.
He added that the outcome of the Owerri senatorial election could significantly shape the balance of political forces in the state, particularly in relation to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Nwokedi further argued that the seat has become a strategic launchpad for any serious governorship ambition from the zone, especially in a politically competitive environment.
The position has also received backing from several pressure groups, including the Owerri Zonal Equity Movement, Nmegbu Adinma Forum, and Concerned Owerri Stakeholders Forum, all of which insist that zoning realities and political calculations make the strategy necessary.
Owerri Zone cannot afford to gamble at this critical time. We need tested leaders who can unify the zone and inspire confidence across Imo State.
“We believe that Dr Chima Amadi, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and a few others possess the capacity to deliver on this mandate. The Owerri Senate seat is the masterstroke for launching a credible Imo governorship project in 2027.
“Any serious contender must first secure that platform to build momentum, consolidate support and project strength across the state,” the statement added.
A grassroots politician in Imo, Basil Agoha, also weighed in, describing the proposed strategy as essential for competitiveness against the ruling party.
This is about winning first, the senate to be able to position for the epic battle because whoever expects the APC to cede power to Owerri zone without a fight is joking,” he said.
“Someone with mass appeal, the war chest and contacts must emerge as senator, then we move from there, otherwise we could be dribbled.”
Ihedioha, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives and one-time governor of Imo State, is widely regarded as having strong grassroots appeal across the zone.
Amadi, on the other hand, is viewed by some stakeholders as a reform-minded figure with growing acceptance among young professionals and the urban electorate.
Despite mounting pressure, none of the three key figures has publicly declared interest in the Senate race, although sources within their respective camps insist that consultations are ongoing ahead of possible political declarations.
PUNCH.
