By Princely Onyenwe | Political Desk
OWERRI — The recent intervention by elder statesman and former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Ochoudo Martin Agbaso, on the security and economic challenges facing Imo State has reignited political conversations over the 2027 governorship succession, particularly as agitation intensifies for power to rotate to Owerri Zone.
In a widely circulated statement, Agbaso lamented the decline in security and economic activities in the state, recalling a period when Imo was one of Nigeria’s most vibrant destinations for business and leisure. According to him, restoring security is fundamental to reviving investments, creating jobs and rebuilding public confidence in government.
His comments have attracted significant attention because they come at a time when discussions over the succession to Governor Hope Uzodimma have begun to dominate political discourse in the state. With Uzodimma expected to complete his constitutionally permitted second term in 2027, many political stakeholders insist that equity and fairness demand that the governorship return to Owerri Zone.
Since the return of democracy in 1999, Orlu Zone has produced Governors Achike Udenwa, Rochas Okorocha and Hope Uzodimma, while Okigwe Zone produced the late Ikedi Ohakim. Owerri Zone remains the only senatorial district yet to produce a democratically elected governor who completed a tenure, a development that has fueled calls for power rotation under the widely discussed Charter of Equity.
Martin Agbaso remains one of the most prominent political figures from Owerri Zone. A businessman and long-time political stakeholder, he played a significant role in the growth of APGA in Imo State and the South-East. His political influence became more pronounced during the 2011 governorship election, where he emerged as one of the leading contenders.
Over the years, he has maintained extensive political networks across the state and remains an influential voice in discussions surrounding equity, inclusion and political succession in Imo State.
His political profile rose further during the 2011 governorship election when he contested under the APGA platform and was widely regarded as one of the leading contenders in the race. Although he did not emerge victorious, political observers have consistently described him as one of the strongest political brands to emerge from Owerri Zone in the Fourth Republic.
The renewed interest in Agbaso’s political future also comes against the backdrop of the Charter of Equity, a political arrangement publicly endorsed by Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON, and supported by prominent elders and stakeholders across the state, advocating the rotation of the governorship to Owerri Zone in 2027.
The zoning principle has significantly strengthened the chances of prominent figures from the zone, with Agbaso’s name frequently mentioned among potential contenders.
Notably, the publisher of this report had in an earlier political assessment projected Ochoudo Martin Agbaso as one of the leading personalities Owerri Zone could present as a credible option for political stability, inclusive governance and economic prosperity in Imo State.
The assessment cited his political experience, statewide visibility and bridge-building capacity as factors that could enhance his prospects in a post-Uzodimma political era.
Apart from his years in public service, Agbaso is a recipient of the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), a recognition that further strengthened his public image. Analysts also point to his long-standing advocacy for equitable power sharing, his extensive political structures and his acceptance among stakeholders as factors that may work in his favour should he decide to join the governorship race.
He was former Senator representing Owerri Senatorial Zone during the Third Republic. Former Special Assistant on Ecology to President Olusegun Obasanjo. Former National Chairman of APGA. Governorship aspirant and influential political figure in Imo politics. Recipient of the national honour, MFR. One of the leading advocates of political inclusion and equitable power rotation in Imo State.
However, political observers caution that several factors could shape his prospects ahead of 2027, including party alignments, the emergence of younger aspirants from Owerri Zone and the ability of any contender to build alliances across Orlu and Okigwe zones.
Nevertheless, Agbaso’s latest intervention on insecurity and economic revival has firmly returned him to the centre of Imo’s political conversation, reinforcing the view that he remains one of the major fixtures in the unfolding debate over who succeeds Governor Hope Uzodinma in 2027.
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria on +234 08036856526
