Why Imo People Rejected Labour Party: The Facts Behind Governor Uzodimma’s Landslide Victory 

Let us set the record straight: Governor Hope Uzodimma did not just win the election; he crushed it, securing victories in all 27 LGAs of Imo State. The Labour Party’s candidate, Senator Athan Achonu, on the other hand, was so wildly unpopular that he did not win a single polling unit. Yes, not one. If that was not an outright rejection by the electorate, then what else could be? Yet, this is the same person whose party, in a statement that reeks of desperation and a blatant disregard for the truth, has the audacity to claim that the election was flawed. This is laughable!

And let us not forget the glaring irony here: Achonu’s desperate plea during a press briefing the day after the election, asking Imo people to help him with duplicates of result sheets to substantiate his bogus claims. Think about it: if Achonu had any real presence at the polling units, his agents would have had these documents in hand. But guess what? He had no agents because he had no real campaign, no real support, and no real plan—just empty rhetoric and nothing more.

But how could Labour Party in Imo have thought of victory at the polls under the circumstances faced by the party in the aftermath of its fraudulent governorship primaries? It is no secret that the primary election that delivered Achonu as the candidate was a sham, allegedly bought with dollars. Almost all the participants in that process have since confessed to their roles.

The massively rigged primaries drove almost all members out of the party, leaving it as nothing more than a hollow shell. Before then, the party had prided itself in its philosophy of frugality or austerity, or what they termed “We no dey give shishi”. But the sight and stench of dollars eventually determined who became what in the party. Things fell apart! To describe the Labour Party in Imo as  “a church without congregation” would be an understatement.

Further, the Labour Party’s so-called campaign in the build-up to the election was a masterclass in failure. They had no coherent message, no actionable plan and no connection with the people. How could they, when their Mbano-born candidate’s most memorable campaign promise was to brag that he had a goat farm in his village where he would be serving goat meat to Imo people when elected? Meanwhile, serious allegations of corruption hung over Achonu like a dark cloud—specifically, the scandal of diverted funds meant for health center construction in the 774 LGAs of the country. He had no explanation, no defense, nothing but silence. Is this the kind of leadership Imo State needs? The voters did not think so, and neither should anyone who values integrity.

Now, contrast this with Governor Uzodimma—a leader who does not just talk, but delivers. His administration has brought Imo State back from the brink, with landmark achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, youth empowerment, and security. Under his watch, Imo State has become a beacon of business innovation, boasting the highest rate of business startups in Nigeria. This is a governor who gets things done, and that is exactly why the people overwhelmingly re-elected him.

In all sincerity, the Labour Party should embark on soul-searching, reflecting on the massive decay that has eaten it up from within. Instead of coming to Imo State to hustle for attention, the party should purge itself of the despotism, tyranny and squandermania which have defined and defiled its national leadership. To be clear, the Labour Party is a cesspool of corruption, where the National Treasurer, Oluchi Okpara, would appear on national television to accuse the National Chairman of forging the late National Chairman’s signature and falsifying cheques just to withdraw and loot party funds. Terrible!

To the glory of God, the Uzodimma-led government in Imo has changed the game, turning the state into a hub of growth, development and accountable stewardship. Roads that were once impassable are now smooth and accessible, healthcare services have been revamped, and the youth are being empowered through various initiatives. And let us not forget the improved security situation, which has made Imo a safer place to live and do business.

The Labour Party’s legal challenge is nothing more than a smokescreen—a pitiful attempt to distract from their own failures. Their cries of over-voting are nothing but a farce, especially when the supposed evidence does not even exist. The so-called “over-voting” is a fabrication, an excuse to cover up their crushing “over-losing”.

Imo people saw through the lies and voted for real leadership— a leadership that has a proven track record of success. The Supreme Court, bound by the truth and the law, should see this challenge for what it is: a last-ditch effort by a floundering party to stay relevant. Governor Uzodimma’s victory is not just legitimate; it is the result of hard work, dedication and the undeniable will of the people.

The Labour Party needs to accept reality. The people of Imo State have spoken, and they have spoken loudly. They do not want a candidate who cannot even field polling agents or articulate a coherent vision for the future. They want a leader who has already proven his worth—who has brought tangible progress to the state and will continue to do so.

Governor Hope Uzodimma is that leader. His re-election is a testament to his achievements and the trust that the people of Imo State have in him. It is, therefore, time for the Labour Party to stop the charade, accept their defeat, and let the governor continue apace with what he does best: leading Imo State to greater heights.