By Dr . Chukwuemeka Nwaneri
Imo State Progressives for Change 2027
United Kingdom
In the heart of Nigeria’s southeast lies my state with immense potential-Imo State. A land rich in human capital, cultural pride, and intellectual brilliance. Yet, despite its resources and resilience, the state continues to grapple with the challenges of poor leadership and failed promises. The time has come for a decisive shift. Imo State deserves good governance, and this shift must begin with the Ndi-Imo taking full
control of their state.
So far as to say that government is a continuum, for years, the people of Imo have been subjected to underperformance masked by rhetoric. Public institutions are in decay, infrastructure is dilapidated, and unemployment continues to rise. In many communities, the roads are impassable, healthcare facilities are unequipped, and the education system is neglected. These are not just statistics-they are the daily
realities faced by ordinary Ndi-Imo.
The crisis is not rooted in a lack of resources as Imo State is not poor. The problem lies in poor governance-leadership that prioritises personal gains over public good, loyalty
to party overlords over service to the people and short-term politicking over long-term vision.
It is said that democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the
people. But in truth, that ideal only becomes reality when the people themselves rise
to demand it. As the 2027 gubernatorial election beckons , it presents a rare and vital opportunity for Ndi-Imo to take charge of their destiny and state.
Every vote cast is a tool of transformation. Every voter is a stakeholder in the future.
Citizens must no longer sit back as spectators. They must become the authors of their political future by demanding transparency, rejecting inducements, verifying candidate track records, and voting their conscience.
One of the major challenges Imo State faces is the manipulation of the electoral process
by a political class who are more concerned with maintaining power than delivering
development. This manipulation often comes in the form of vote buying, violence, intimidation, and the imposition of unpopular candidates through undemocratic means. But this cycle can be broken.
When citizens insist on fair play, when they protect their polling units, when they
refuse to trade their votes for temporary gifts, and when they mobilise their
communities to vote, the tides can turn. No political cabal is stronger than a united, determined electorate.
To every Imolite-whether in Owerri, Orlu, Okigwe, Lagos, Abuja, or the diaspora-this is a clarion call: your voice matters. Your vote matters. Your participation matters. Insist on debates. Demand clear manifestos. Challenge candidates on their plans for education, health, infrastructure, and security. Refuse to be swayed by the village of
origin, it’s our turn, tokenism, or empty promises. The time of political apathy is over.
Imo State can rise again-but only with leaders who are competent, visionary, and people-centred. Leaders who understand that public office is a sacred trust, not a personal jackpot. Leaders who fear God and respect the people. That future is possible, but only if the citizens of Imo seize control of the election by following electoral best practices.
Let us not wait for change to be delivered-we must create it. The ballot is not just a piece of paper; it is a powerful weapon for justice, equity, and development. Let us wield it wisely. Imo deserves no less.
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