Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has formally declared his intention to contest for the Imo West Senatorial seat, stating that he accepted what he described as a “call to serve” from the people of the district with humility, sincerity and a renewed commitment to advancing the collective interests of the zone and the country.
The governor made the declaration after appearing before the screening committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the National Assembly primary election, a development that has already generated political discussions within Imo State and the South-East region. In a statement shared on his official X account shortly after the screening exercise, Uzodimma said his decision to seek election into the Senate was motivated by the overwhelming encouragement and support he had received from stakeholders, political associates and residents of Imo West Senatorial District.
According to him, the aspiration represents another opportunity to continue contributing to public service and championing policies that would improve the welfare of the people. “My dear people of Imo West Senatorial District have once again called upon me to serve, and I have accepted this noble call with utmost humility, sincerity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to the collective advancement of our people,” the governor stated.
Uzodimma said his political journey had always been anchored on service, unity and development, adding that he remained determined to sustain efforts aimed at promoting peace, economic growth and infrastructural transformation within the state and beyond. The governor noted that his experience in governance and public administration had equipped him with the necessary capacity to represent the people effectively at the National Assembly.
He pledged to use the Senate platform, if elected, to advocate policies that would support national development while also ensuring that the interests of Imo West receive proper attention at the federal level. Uzodimma further expressed appreciation to members of the APC, traditional leaders, youth groups, women organisations and supporters across the district for what he described as their continued confidence in his leadership.
He assured party loyalists that his aspiration would be pursued with decorum, issue-based engagement and respect for democratic principles. Political observers believe the governor’s entry into the senatorial race could significantly reshape the political landscape in Imo State, especially within the ruling APC, where consultations and alignments ahead of the elections have continued to intensify. The Imo West Senatorial District, often referred to as Orlu Zone, remains one of the most politically influential areas in the state and has historically produced several key political figures.
Supporters of the governor have argued that his transition to the Senate would enable him to continue playing an active role in national politics after his tenure as governor. Many of his loyalists also insist that his administration’s infrastructure projects, road rehabilitation initiatives and security interventions in Imo State have strengthened public confidence in his leadership style. However, political analysts say the forthcoming party primaries are expected to attract considerable attention, given the strategic importance of the senatorial district and the calibre of political actors likely to participate in the contest.
Within APC circles, party members have continued consultations over consensus arrangements, zoning considerations and electoral strategies ahead of the primaries. Some stakeholders believe Uzodimma’s experience as a former senator gives him an advantage in the race, while others argue that the emergence of additional aspirants could trigger intense political competition within the district. The governor, who previously represented Imo West in the Senate before becoming governor, maintained in his statement that his aspiration was not driven by personal ambition alone but by a desire to continue serving the people and strengthening democratic governance.
He called on residents of the district to remain united and committed to the ideals of peace, development and political stability. Uzodimma also reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and expressed confidence in the party’s internal democratic processes, saying he was prepared to engage party members and delegates across the district ahead of the primary election. As political activities gather momentum ahead of the polls, analysts say the declaration marks the beginning of what could become one of the most closely watched senatorial contests in Imo State.
The governor’s announcement is expected to influence political calculations within both the APC and opposition parties as preparations for the elections continue across the state.
