|
Listen to article
|
Notwithstanding the challenges faced during the 2023 general elections, including the departure of numerous northern party members, the National Rescue Movement (NRM), among the 17 political parties competing in the upcoming November 2023 Imo State governorship election, has vowed to demonstrate its strength and popularity by liberating the state from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ambassador Isaac Chidozie Udeh, the National Chairman of the party, has stated that the National Rescue Movement (NRM) possesses a strong, tried, and trusted candidate in Dr. Lawrence Cole Okwara.
He further revealed that Okwara has met all the requirements set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for individuals seeking to run in the off-season election slated for November 2023 in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states.
In a brief telephone interview, the national chairman said: ‘We have gone beyond the qualifying processes and the process of collecting forms. We are already in the field canvassing and consulting with the people while we await the date of the election.’
Ambassador Udeh expressed confidence in the National Rescue Movement (NRM) as it enters the race for state assembly seats.
He anticipates that the NRM may pleasantly surprise observers by reshaping the prevailing narrative and potentially unseating the APC administration, which has governed Imo State for twelve years with limited developmental achievements.
Read also: Imo Poll: Security Agents Trained By INEC On Risk Management
On the 63 Independence Anniversary, the chairman said: ‘There are lots of reasons for people to celebrate, irrespective of the bad state of the economy All Progressives Congress, (APC) leadership brought upon the nation,’ and he concluded by stating that the gift of life should not be taken for granted.
As the November governorship election in Imo State approaches, seventeen political parties, including the three major ones—All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP)—are getting ready to compete.
The NRM’s candidate, Dr. Lawrence Cole Okwara, could bring about a shift in the political dynamics by disrupting the ruling APC’s path in Imo State.
His enigmatic campaign approach, centered on silent grassroots mobilisation, has kept rivals guessing about the election’s eventual results and could pose a formidable challenge to Hope Uzodimma’s re-election aspirations.
Political experts believe that the NRM candidate will emerge as a strong and important rival for Governor Hope Uzodinma and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming November 11 gubernatorial elections in the state. His unpredictable nature has made him a candidate to watch closely.
Political observers stress that the surging popularity of Dr. Lawrence Cole Okwara in Imo State’s electorate should not be overlooked. This has become a matter of considerable concern for political actors and strategists aligned with incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma.
While Dr. Okwara has opted to contest the election under a new-generation political party, those monitoring the political scene in Imo state are puzzled by his low-key personality and the difficulty in foreseeing his next steps.
It is widely acknowledged that Dr. Okwara possesses an impressive and formidable profile, having excelled as a former footballer, coach, sports administrator, and international soccer agent for over 30 years. Nevertheless, political influencers in Imo state are troubled by his enigmatic nature and the prospect of him entering politics without warning.
Prior to his selection as the NRM Gubernatorial Candidate in Imo State, Dr. Okwara held the position of Diaspora Chairman within the party. His contributions in this role significantly aided in boosting the party’s image and financial resources.
Okwara has devised an intricate master plan with the vision of driving technological progress in Imo State. His strategy includes empowering the youth through digital training initiatives and generating employment prospects across multiple industries.
