Imo Governorship: ‘A Home Boy or Nothing’ — Bishop Calls for Locally Rooted Successor to Uzodimma

By Reloaded News Desk

Hon. Okereke Godson Bishop, a political advocate writing under the banner of Team-Bishop, has called for the emergence of a locally rooted candidate to succeed Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, arguing that the state’s next governor should have strong political, economic and community ties to Imo.

In a political commentary titled “IMO GUBER 2027: A Home Boy or Nothing,” Bishop argued that the state’s leadership selection process has been unduly influenced by political interests outside Imo, particularly powerful actors in Abuja.

He urged political stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to prioritise a candidate with established grassroots connections, local investments and a record of political participation within the state.

Bishop maintained that the choice of a successor should not be determined solely by political influence at the federal level, but by the candidate’s relationship with communities across Imo’s 27 local government areas.

Infrastructure and the Uzodimma administration

The author defended Governor Uzodimma’s record, pointing to road construction, urban infrastructure, healthcare facilities and other projects across the three senatorial zones of Imo State.

He cited the Owerri–Orlu Road, the Owerri–Okigwe Road, the Owerri–Mbaise–Obowo–Umuahia corridor and the Assumpta Twin Flyovers among projects he believes demonstrate the administration’s infrastructure drive.

The governor’s administration has reported completing more than 130 roads across the state. Government and media reports have also documented major road projects, including the completed Owerri–Okigwe and Owerri–Obowo–Umuahia routes.

Bishop argued that the next administration should consolidate these investments rather than abandon existing projects in favour of new initiatives driven by political considerations.

He also referenced developments in healthcare and public infrastructure in Orlu, as well as the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, as examples of projects he believes should be sustained.

Why he wants a locally rooted successor

According to Bishop, a “Home Boy” should be someone whose personal, business and political interests are firmly connected to Imo State, rather than a politician who returns mainly during election periods.

He argued that a governor with close community ties would be better positioned to understand local challenges, support indigenous businesses and artisans, and prioritise rural infrastructure.

He also linked rural development to security, contending that improved roads, electricity and access to markets could strengthen local economic activity and help address some of the conditions that contribute to insecurity and kidnapping.

On accountability, Bishop argued that a governor who lives among the people would be more accessible to residents and easier for communities to question over public decisions.

These arguments form the central basis of his call for a locally rooted candidate in the next governorship succession process.

Warning against Abuja-based political interests

Bishop cautioned APC stakeholders against allowing politicians with stronger connections to Abuja than to local party structures to dominate the succession conversation.

He alleged that some politicians were seeking to build support through financial inducements and last-minute political manoeuvres, rather than through established grassroots organisations.

He warned that political divisions among locally rooted aspirants could weaken their influence and urged them to resolve internal disagreements before the contest intensifies.

The commentary did not identify the politicians being accused or provide documentary evidence for the allegations concerning inducements. The claims therefore remain the author’s assertions.

Call for unity among Imo political stakeholders

Bishop appealed to youths, women, traders, students, artisans and other residents to participate in the political process and encourage greater attention to community needs.

He also called on those he described as “Home Boys” to put aside personal ambitions and work towards a common political position.

His argument is that the succession debate should focus on the future of Imo State, the continuity of ongoing development projects and the relationship between elected leaders and the communities they govern.

The commentary adds to the political conversation surrounding the future of the APC in Imo State and the question of who should lead the state after Uzodimma.

However, the choice of a successor will ultimately depend on the party’s nomination process, the candidates who emerge and the wider political and electoral process.

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