Rochas will Surely Win But Ohakim will Rule

There is apprehension in Imo State over today’s governorship and House of Assembly elections. The governorship election has been described by many as a battle of titans because of the personalities involved.

The main contenders are the incumbent, Chief Ikedi Ohakim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rochas Okorocha of All Progresssives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Ifeanyi Araraume of Action Congress of Nigeria

However, many Imolites believe the first two from PDP and APGA, will matter most in this fight. But then, the coast is not clear as to who would carry the day between Ohakim and Okorocha.

For instance, nine out of every 10 people spoken to tipped Okorocha to win in a free and fair election. But many say and believe that Ohakim, who has shown extreme desperation to hold unto power, might bring his power of incumbency to bear through unwholesome practices.

It was gathered that the sack of the Interior Minister, Captain Iheanacho further affected the chances of Ohakim winning. He has lost more support as a result because Imolites believe he was behind the sack. But Ohakim also won some to his side, especially those who hold fast to the zoning arrangement.

The Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri zones argue that Rochas, from Orlu Zone, has no moral justification to become the governor after Chief Achike Udenwa from the same zone ruled the state for eight years.

Those who argue that Ohakim must never be allowed to come back believe that he is the worst governor Imo state has ever known because of his many media campaign lies, false claims of completing projects, harsh treatment of Imolites including flogging a catholic priest, giving out unnecessary 'gifts' to INEC staff, increasing schools' fees yet denying same, and many others.

However, there is allegation, and with good reason, that some people in this camp have started singing different tunes after money changed hands. According to a source, what they now say is, “ let him complete his second term and go.”

Among the group that are determined to vote Ohakim out are Imolite students and members of Keke operators. It is common knowledge that students of the Imo state university (now Evan Enwerem university) have vowed to vote against Ohakim because of his many 'anti-student' policies. The Keke operators are unrepentant about their position and are not hiding it from anyone who cares to listen but some of them are of the view that Ohakim will be declared winner despite the stiff opposition against him in the state.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the state while names of adhoc workers, including corps members, have been displayed at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices in the three zones and the commission’s headquarters at the state secretariat.

One of them, Chika Uduma, said “Rochas will win but Ohakim will rule.”

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