As the 2027 Imo State governorship race begins to stir political conversations, Barrister Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Imo State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning and Chief Political Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma, has firmly denied having any intention to contest.
Onuegbu, a prominent political figure from Ngor Okpala Local Government Area in Owerri Zone, has in recent times been featured in media speculations as a likely successor to Governor Uzodimma, particularly if the governorship is zoned to Owerri.
He is widely regarded as a key player in the governor’s inner circle and part of a powerful political bloc thought to be central to Uzodimma’s succession plan.
Amid growing discussions and projections by political analysts suggesting that the next governor may emerge from this strategic group, Onuegbu has categorically distanced himself from any such ambition.
In a widely circulated statement, Onuegbu declared that he has not authorized any individual or group to promote or insinuate a governorship ambition on his behalf.
“I have not and will not mandate anyone to propagate any claim that I am aspiring for the 2027 governorship,” he stated. “My only political focus for now is to effectively carry out my duties as a cabinet member in the administration of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma CON, to whom I remain loyal and deeply grateful for my political journey.”
His remarks come at a time when his home LGA, Ngor Okpala, continues to decry decades of political marginalization. Despite being the largest LGA in Imo State by landmass and population, it has yet to produce a governor, deputy governor, minister, ambassador, senator, speaker, or any other top political officeholder in the state.
This persistent underrepresentation has caused friction between the people and their leaders, who are often accused of failing to adequately advocate for the area, despite their political proximity to power.
Ngor Okpala indigenes have repeatedly voiced their frustration over the lack of infrastructure, government presence, and access to basic amenities. Many believe the LGA deserves a fair share in both elective and appointive positions.
Yet, Onuegbu made it clear his current priority is not seeking office, but delivering on his duties as a serving commissioner.
Below is his full statement:
In the wake of rather premature jostling for the preferred zone to produce the next Governor of Imo State and petulant posturing by intending Aspirants for the 2027 Gubernatorial Elections in Imo State, it has become compelling that I, Enyinna Victor Onuegbu Esq, native of Umuokoro Eziama Ngor Okpala LGA of Owerri Zone, Imo State, make the following declarations on record.
- That I hereby forswear any alleged Governorship ambition.
- That I have not and will not mandate any person or group to purport on my behalf, any propagation of an intention, to be aspiring for the Governorship election presently.
- That the only political ambition I have now is to concentrate on my present status as an Appointee in the Cabinet of His Excellency, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma CON, Governor of Imo State and my benefactor, to whom I remain loyal and eternally grateful for my political progress, and deliver on his expectations from my official duties.
- That I urge all media practitioners and our respected writers to please, leave my name out of every permutation and analysis regarding gubernatorial candidacy for 2027, for our beloved State.
- That, while I remain a loyal member of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), I shall presently step back from my activism as a party member, to enable me concentrate on my official duties.
To God be the glory.
Signed:
Chief Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu KSC
Ebekuodike / TPM Eziama Ancient Kingdo
