Picture: L-R: Mr Ikedife (jnr) and Gov Uzodimma
By David Onwuchekwa
The South-East Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Dozie Ikedife Jnr, has described Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as one of the most qualified politicians to represent the South-East in the Senate in 2027, citing his political maturity, leadership experience and commitment to advancing Igbo interests.
Ikedife, who spoke with journalists in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday, said Uzodimma’s political experience and achievements in governance had prepared him for a higher responsibility at the National Assembly, where he could effectively champion the interests of the South-East.
He argued that those questioning why a sitting governor would seek to move to the Senate should understand that Uzodimma, having served two terms as governor, was constitutionally entitled to contest any other elective position.
According to him, his support for Uzodimma’s senatorial ambition is informed by his personal encounters with the governor and his appreciation of the latter’s political vision.
“I understand what he is doing and I also understand and respect his political sagacity. I have been fortunate enough to sit at the table with Governor Uzodimma and hear him speak. I have heard him speak at events. I respect the way he goes about his politics,” he said.
Ikedife recalled that when the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was alive, the APC had planned a mega empowerment rally in Nnewi, which was approved by the party’s national headquarters.
However, when the proposal was presented to Uzodimma, the governor suggested that a colloquium be added to the programme to discuss the reintegration of the South-East into mainstream national politics.
For Ikedife, that intervention demonstrated Uzodimma’s capacity to think beyond immediate political interests and address the long-term challenges confronting the region.
He identified inadequate federal and state constituencies, as well as the need for an additional state in the South-East, as critical issues requiring strategic political leadership and effective representation at the National Assembly.
“We in the South-East have a lot of ground to cover. We do not have enough federal constituencies in the South-East, we don’t have enough state constituencies, and we also need an additional state in the region,” he said.
The APC chieftain maintained that Uzodimma possessed the political experience and influence required to pursue these demands effectively in the Senate.
“We need him in the National Assembly, in that Senate Chamber, to help the people of the South-East achieve these things so that we can become equals with other zones in national politics,” he added.
Ikedife also questioned the existing distribution of federal constituencies among South-East states, adding that Anambra has 11 federal constituencies while the region continues to demand greater representation and political balance.
He particularly argued that Nnewi, given its population and voting strength, deserved a federal constituency of its own.
He said Uzodimma’s senatorial ambition should therefore be viewed beyond personal political advancement, insisting that his election would provide the South-East with an experienced voice capable of pursuing the region’s constitutional and political interests.
“So, I personally support his ambition to go to the Senate because I know what he is capable of achieving in that Senate Chamber when he gets there,” Ikedife concluded.
