Former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, has returned to the governorship race in the state after over seven years he was defeated by Anayo Rochas Okorocha. Ohakim was defeated on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011 while Okorocha won on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). Returning for the Imo governorship race, Ohakim switches camp to the APGA which has been dumped by Rochas for his political sojourn in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ohakim speaking to APGA members at the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Complex in Owerri, Imo State, declared his intention to contest the 2019 governorship election on the platform of APGA.
The former governor explained that, “wealth of experience as a former Governor of the state is what is needed at this time to salvage Imo State from the shackles of the ruling All Progressives Congress.” He was of the view that APGA remains the only credible and honest party on which he can attain his ambition.
Ohakim, from the Okigwe zone, appealed to indigenes of the state – home and abroad – to support his governorship ambition, noting that he is contesting for one tenure and would thereafter transfer power to a credible person from Owerri Senatorial District.
Currently, stakeholders in Owerri zone are agitating that it is their turn to produce the Governor of Imo State in 2019.