Three heavyweight politicians are positioning themselves to represent Imo West in the Senate come 2027, and the fight for the All Progressives Congress ticket has already begun heating up.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, former governor Rochas Okorocha, and Senator Ifeanyi Izunaso are the main contenders in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive primary contests in Imo politics ahead of the next general elections. Each man brings substantial political muscle and claims strong grassroots support in the district.
Uzodimma holds the advantage of sitting power as the incumbent governor. His administration controls state resources and the party machinery in Imo, giving him considerable influence over how delegates are likely to vote in any primary election. He has also cultivated a network of loyalists across the three local government areas that make up Imo West, and his popularity remains solid among APC faithful in the zone.
Okorocha, who governed Imo from 2008 to 2015, remains a formidable political force despite his legal troubles in recent years. He has a strong personal following across Imo West and has repeatedly made clear his ambition to return to electoral politics. His experience in national politics and his ability to mobilise support at the grassroots level make him a serious threat to any rival.
Izunaso, the incumbent senator, also has an inside track. He currently occupies the seat and has the benefit of representing Imo West in Abuja. As an incumbent with legislative achievements to point to, he can argue he deserves a second term to continue his work in the Senate.
The race will likely intensify once the APC officially announces its primary election date. Each camp is already working to consolidate support among party delegates and strengthen their position within the party structure. Political observers say the contest may also reflect tensions between Uzodimma's government and other powerful figures in the state who see an opportunity to challenge his influence through the Senate race.
Party insiders expect the primary contest to be decided sometime in 2026, giving the eventual winner enough time to prepare for the general election campaign. How these three men navigate the delicate politics of Imo APC in the coming months will determine who carries the party's banner into Imo West's 2027 Senate election.
