The last may not have been heard about the sudden change of mind by Emeka Ihedioha, to return to Douglas House, the Imo State Government House in Owerri, from where he was yanked off on February 14 2020 by the Supreme Court, after about 10 months in office.
WhirlwinNews gathered Tuesday night that Ihedioha, two-term Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives may actually be heading to the Labour Party (LP) to pursue the same ambition, given the dismal outing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under which platform, he sought and won the governorship in March 2019, and remained in power before the decision of the apex court to installed Hope Uzodimma, the incumbent.
A source close to the PDP, informed that the rumble in the leadership of the main opposition party has made the prospect from the party of achieving his dream comeback quite bleak as the influence of Atiku Abubakar, his major backer in the party, is fast waning to the extent that the former VP may call it quits not only with the party, but politics generally.
The interpretation from current disquiet in the party is that Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and his group, are intent on snatching the PDP structure from the current holders with the intent of going for Atiku’s political jugular meaning that those who fought on his side during the internecine war between him and the G-5 Integrity Group, comprising some five governors and some senior members of the party, would be fall-guys.
“Go for the shepherd and the sheep will scatter and the sheep will scatter. You have seen what happened. Already Iyorchia Ayu is gone. Wike and co mean business. It is either they fight to regain total control of the party or they fight to destroy it completely and thereafter pot to join Tinubu in APC.
“Atiku is completely deflated and doesn’t have the spirit or even the wherewithal to fight any battle. He had hoped to win the Presidential election, but was heavily disappointed. All the people he banked on, both at the Villa and the North, disappointed. So, don’t be surprised that he will quit politics soon. You can see that even in his court case, he’s not as forthcoming and forceful as he was in 2019, because he knows it might be a futile battle and after this, it would be ridiculous for him to come out again. The loss a the presidential poll hit him so hard. Never mind the cover-up,” a member of the camp, offered on Tuesday.
He said Ihedioha might be contemplating heading the way of promising LP, despite being seen as an enemy in that political territory, the source said, adding: “You never know with politicians. Don’t forget that is a state he was a governor for almost a year. Who among the people angling for the job is even more qualified and experienced than him. If he goes there, he would be a strong contender for the ticket and if he wins, he’ll surely put the Hope (Uzodimma) on his toes. Between Hope and Ihedioha, who would you prefer as a governor if you’re asked to choose?
Ihedioha made announced his decision to quit the race on the race in a letter he wrote to Ayu, the embattled National Chairman of the PDP, saying: “As I turned 58 years last Friday, March 24, I had cause to reflect on so many things, including the state of the people’s Democratic Party (PDP). Having been a member since its formation in 1998, I align myself with the request made by our state chapter to the national working committee (NWC) for a consensus choice of the candidate regarding the 2023 governorship primaries in the interest of harmony and unity of the party. I have elected to make the personal sacrifice of withdrawing from further participation in the processes leading to the emergence of the gubernatorial candidate.
“This decision was not taken lightly. My commitment to the service of our people has never been in doubt, and am sure many of those who have on their own, already started mobilizing for me in Imo state will be disappointed. I sincerely seek their understanding and that of associates, admirers and particularly the electorate who have over the years aligned themselves and identified with my political aspirations.
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served my various constituency both as a legislator and a governor. I am also proud of the positive impacts I made, particularly in the seven months I served as the governor of Imo state.”