Imo 2027 Governorship: Will Philanthropist Dr Akagburuonye make himself available?

There is no doubt the fact that the behind the scene politicking ahead of Imo State governorship election in 2027 has begun with political permutation and group rejigging by political jingoists. This is more so, given that the incumbent governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma will be completing his second term of office in 2028.

However, there is a man who is popular for his philanthropy and magnanimity and who has demonstrated passion for infrastructural and human development in past decades, Dr Success Akagburuonye, a business tycoon and a man of “primus inter pares”, who should make foray into politics, but would he make himself available for Imo State governorship race in 2027? This was the question among some elite, the middle class and those at the grassroot in the State.

For Chidinma Onyinye Chukwu, a trader in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Council, recounted the businessman’s gesture to the underprivileged, their Catholic Church and victims of the pipeline fire incident in Ohaji/Egbema communities.

She said, “Chief, Engr, Dr Success is well known amongst the people. For long he has been nourishing the people especially the underprivileged in several communities across Senatorial flanks Imo, including our communities.

She praised Governor Hope Uzodinma for keeping faith with his developmental projects and advised that the governor should look out for people who have interest of the less privileged and who have track records of philanthropic services to the people, particularly the likes of Dr Success Akagburuonye.

Mrs Chukwu added: “Governor Uzodinma should not allow politician who don’t have the interest of expanding the frontiers of developmental projects as well as human capital development to succeed him after his tenure of office. In my opinion, elders and community leaders should rise up to the occasion of forming alliances for Dr Akagburuonye.

“His philanthropic nature knows no bounds and many individuals and religious bodies in the state can attest to that. In fact, many are asking him to quickly go for political office as his kind is the type that Imo needs urgently.

“Am sure he is bidding his time and will announce his intentions at the right time.”

Though, CAPITAL POST’s findings penultimate week in Owerri could not ascertain Dr. Akagburuonye’s membership of any political party, but the street “vox populi”, tilted towards asking him to contest for the governorship election in 2027 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Barrister Ferdinand Mbah, an Owerri based legal practitioner who spoke on political developments in Imo State gave his pass mark to Governor Hope Uzodinma for tackling insecurity which he admitted, was being abated day by day.

He opined that Uzodinma’s successor should be a man with capacity who is acceptable across board. According to him, Dr. Akugburuonye is an Abuja-based businessman, but has been all over Imo who is known for philanthropy, particularly among Catholics and Pentecostal churches.

He denied knowing the businessman’s political ambition, but said, such caliber of citizens should indicate interest in governance of Imo State.

He opined: “I can tell authoritatively that he has the physical and psychological state of mind to govern Imo state. Am very sure the leaders of Imo will back him if he eventually show interest but for now he bent of helping the people spiritually and materially. You can see he is working with renowned men of God, so he is coming from the God angle.”