Uzodimma Joins Senate Race, May Resign As Governor

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has declared his interest in contesting the Imo West Senatorial District seat in 2027.

Uzodimma, who is serving his second term as governor, announced this in a post on his X handle on Sunday.

“My dear people of Imo West Senatorial District have once again called upon me to serve, and I have accepted this noble call with utmost humility, sincerity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to the collective advancement of our people,” he said.

The governor said in furtherance of the call to serve, he has presented himself before the leadership of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Screening Committee for the National Assembly Primary Election.

“During the engagement, I reaffirmed that the Senatorial seat I seek to occupy belongs first and foremost to our great party, while I remain only a loyal and dedicated candidate entrusted with the responsibility of projecting and advancing the ideals, vision, and aspirations of the APC to the very best of my ability,” he said.

Uzodimma earlier represented the district in the Senate from 6 June 2011 to 9 June 2019.

The governor said that his latest move to represent the district for the third time was “inspired by the desire to consolidate on the gains of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu, through quality representation, effective legislation, enhanced development, and sustainable progress for our people and our nation.”

Uzodimma’s entry into the Senate race comes two years and four months after his inauguration for his second term of four years in office as governor.

He became governor of Imo State in 2020 after the Supreme Court nullified the election of the then-governor, Emeka Ihedioha, and declared Mr Uzodimma, who came fourth in the 2019 election, as the validly elected governor of the state.

His second term in office will elapse by January 2028. Meanwhile, the next Senate is expected to be inaugurated in June 2027.

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.