Following Governor Rochas Okorocha’s backing of the governorship ambition of his Chief and son in law, Uche Nwosu, newspaper reports in Owerri say that the race for Nwosu’s running mate has began in earnest in the Governor’s camp.
Okorocha runs the show in his Rescue Mission camp, a huge political structure loaded with thousands of political loyalists. Indications were rife at the weekend that top Okorocha’s loyalists and close allies are likely to be ones to be considered for the role of running mate.
Loyalists of Okorocha from the two geo political zones in the State- Owerri and Okigwe have intensified their lobby though there are reports that the Speakership of the House have been zoned to Owerri zone if Nwosu who is from Orlu zone eventually emerges Governor in 2019.
However, a running mate from Okigwe Zone is said to be highly favoured judging from political calculations in Okorocha’s Rescue Mission camp.
Though such running mate may emerge after the APC governorship primaries, there are speculations that a House of Reps member and former Commissioner of Finance in Imo State, Hon. Chike Okafor may be the anointed one. Chike is seeking for a second term but political pundits predict that he is very close to the Okorocha’s and may likely get the nod when the time comes.It was uncertain if the latter will consent to the slot.
Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Acho Ihim, also from Okigwe zone is said to be in consideration. The Speaker was reported to have lobbied to be Okorocha’s choice successor in 2019 but later lost out to Nwosu.
At the moment, the Speaker is a staunch advocate of Nwosu’s guber bid and his reward for doing so may come in the form of running mate to Nwosu.
Despite the running mate position going to Okigwe zone, some top stalwarts of the Rescue Mission from Owerri zone are said not be relenting in their push for the number 2 post under Nwosu.
