Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has officially declared his intention to contest the Imo West Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, presenting himself for screening before the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee on Sunday.
Uzodimma, who addressed party leaders and the committee in Abuja, framed his decision as a response to the “noble call” from the people of Imo West Senatorial District.
“It is with utmost humility, sincerity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to the collective advancement of our people that I have accepted this call to serve once again,” the Governor stated.
He emphasised that the senatorial seat belongs first to the party, describing himself as a “loyal and dedicated candidate entrusted with the responsibility of projecting and advancing the ideals, vision, and aspirations of the APC.”
Governor Uzodimma is no stranger to the Red Chamber. He previously served as a senator representing Imo West in the 6th and 7th Senates (2007-2015) before his election as Governor of Imo State in 2019 . His tenure as governor is expected to end on January 15, 2028 .
The Governor’s renewed bid to return to the Senate presents a unique political situation: if he wins the senatorial election scheduled for January 2027, he will be sworn in as a senator in June 2027. This would require him to resign as Governor approximately seven months before the official end of his term .
Should this scenario unfold, his deputy, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, would take over as Governor of Imo State for the remaining period until January 2028.
Observers had speculated that Uzodimma might be eyeing a principal leadership position in the Senate, possibly even the Senate Presidency, given his experience and political stature. However, recent amendments to the Senate Standing Rules have complicated that prospect.
In May 2026, the Senate amended its rules to require that any lawmaker seeking the position of Senate President or Deputy Senate President must have served at least two consecutive terms in the Senate, with one of those terms being the immediate term preceding the nomination.
This effectively blocks new entrants—including sitting governors like Uzodimma—from accessing the top leadership positions in the 11th Senate, even if they have previous legislative experience .
Uzodimma’s declaration comes amid significant political turbulence. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), but reports have emerged of a leadership crisis within the forum. While some reports suggested that 20 governors had moved against his leadership, citing allegations of financial impropriety, other APC governors have reaffirmed their confidence in him .
Addressing the political atmosphere, Uzodimma dismissed concerns about opposition parties, declaring that the APC—which controls 31 states—faces no serious threat ahead of the 2027 elections .
“My ambition is to go to the Senate to represent my people,” Uzodimma said. “Whatever rules we meet there, we will follow the rules.”
Discussion about this post