A strong wave of political resurgence is sweeping through Imo State, as calls intensify for the return of former governor Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, KSC, to reclaim the governorship seat in 2027.
At the heart of this renewed push is the Rebuild Imo Movement (RIM), a grassroots platform founded by Ihedioha that has maintained its relevance and influence across the state’s 27 Local Government Areas. Despite not currently belonging to any political party, Ihedioha’s popularity appears undiminished—perhaps even bolstered—by his absence from partisan fray.
According to findings by Business Hallmark, RIM remains the most widely accepted and structured political movement in the state, challenging even the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Since Ihedioha resigned from the PDP in April last year, he has not joined any other party,” said Ugwumba Damien Ezeagu, convener of Imo State Critical Stakeholders, a major wing of RIM. “Yet, his name continues to attract support across Imo. He does not pay people to rally around him—the people gravitate to him naturally because of his integrity, honesty, and strength of character.”
Ezeagu, a former PDP state secretary once nicknamed “Kofi Annan” for his diplomatic skill, stressed that Ihedioha’s consistency in values has won him enduring loyalty from citizens across socio-political divides.
That sentiment is echoed by RIM’s Women Leader in the Owerri Zone, Lolo Getrude Iroeme. “Ihedioha stands out for his consistency,” she said. “His political message has not changed since 2003—he speaks about true democracy, rule of law, and fiscal federalism. These are the values Imo people now crave in their leaders, and that is why they continue to believe in him.”
For Sir Stanley Ekezie, a respected RIM coordinator from Okigwe Zone, Ihedioha’s strength lies in his proven administrative competence. “He governed with vision and balance. His appointments were based on merit, fairness, and geographical inclusion. In just seven months, he laid the foundation for a better Imo.”
Indeed, Ihedioha’s short-lived administration—cut short by a controversial Supreme Court ruling in early 2020—is widely remembered for swift and far-reaching reforms. From improved infrastructure to fiscal discipline and revitalized local government systems, the former governor's legacy continues to resonate with voters.
Under his leadership, Imo State was adjudged the least corrupt state in Nigeria and recorded the fastest-growing economy in the country at the time. The state's internally generated revenue (IGR) rose dramatically—from a modest N250 million in June 2019 to over N850 million monthly by October of the same year.
He was also commended for implementing the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a federal financial reform policy, within months of taking office—a move that enhanced accountability and financial transparency in the state.
Ihedioha’s emphasis on grassroots governance saw him empower the local government areas as drivers of development. His administration initiated the construction of 27 stadiums, rehabilitated over 300 kilometers of rural and urban roads, and built new secretariat complexes for LGAs. To further boost rural infrastructure, he released N500 million as counterpart funding to unlock a N13.5 billion grant from the World Bank under its Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP).
In education, Ihedioha showed uncommon commitment by upgrading four technical colleges under the TVET programme and approving the recruitment of 4,000 new teachers after settling outstanding SUBEB counterpart funding.
His government also made notable progress in healthcare, agriculture, security, and youth development. Sports in the state reached new heights, with then Minister of Sports, an APC chieftain, declaring Imo “the home of sports in Nigeria” under Ihedioha.
On the economic front, his administration established the Ease of Doing Business Desk, revitalized the Imo State Investment Promotion Agency (ISIPA), and attracted an N18 billion facility from AfriExim Bank to support quality assurance in local industries.
For many political analysts and citizens alike, Ihedioha’s brief time in office stands in rarefied company—often compared to the golden eras of past Imo leaders like Ndubuisi Kanu and Sam Mbakwe. What sets him apart, many argue, is not just performance, but probity.
“He is one of the few Nigerian leaders who have served for over a decade at the federal level and several months at the state level without a single corruption scandal,” said one analyst. “That says a lot about his integrity.”
This integrity, according to many of his supporters, is the foundation of the broad-based call for his return. His leadership style, track record, and people-oriented vision have positioned him not only as a political force in Imo but as a symbol of what accountable governance can look like.
As 2027 draws closer, the momentum behind Ihedioha’s potential comeback appears to be growing stronger. For his supporters, it’s not just about restoring a mandate—they see it as restoring hope.
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