Imo Governorship: Why I’ll Be Contesting in 2028 — Akagburuonye
Businessman and philanthropist, Engr. Obioma Success Akagburuonye, has declared his intention to contest the 2028 Imo State governorship election.
Akagburuonye made the declaration in Lagos on Sunday shortly after receiving the Sun Humanitarian Icon Award 2025, stating that his decision was driven by his commitment to the development of Imo State and the welfare of its people.
He said his years of private-sector experience, coupled with his philanthropic activities, had prepared him for public service.
According to him, he has empowered over 3,000 residents of Imo State and created employment opportunities through his various business ventures and social interventions.
The property investor also pledged to build on the achievements of the current administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma across key sectors.
“There is no doubt that our current governor is doing well. He has been dubbed ‘Mr Infrastructure’ and has created an enabling environment for people to implement good ideas,” Akagburuonye said.
He added that Governor Uzodimma’s policies had encouraged more citizens to contribute to governance and development.
“His open-door system has given people like us the push to showcase our ideas and expand the good work already being done. This will be like a change of baton from ‘Hope to Success,’ if given the opportunity,” he said.
Although he is yet to announce the political platform on which he will run, Akagburuonye said his focus is on presenting the right leadership vision rather than party affiliation.
Outlining his agenda, he said he plans to leverage recent constitutional provisions that place electricity generation on the concurrent legislative list to provide alternative power solutions for the state.
An expert in solar energy, Akagburuonye said improved electricity supply would boost economic activities and improve living standards in Imo.
“As a governor with greater resources, we can provide reliable alternative power supply that will stimulate economic growth within a short time,” he said.
He also said he would expand the activities of his Gospel Care Foundation to strengthen social welfare programmes and support vulnerable residents.
“We must bear one another’s burden. I have declared my assets severally and I am not indebted to any bank. That transparency is what I will bring into governance,” he stated.
He pledged not to engage in political witch-hunts if elected, saying his administration would focus on development rather than probing past officials.
On zoning, Akagburuonye argued that the Owerri Senatorial Zone, which has nine local government areas, should produce the next governor in 2028.
He noted that Orlu Zone has 12 local governments, while Okigwe has six, insisting that equity favours Owerri.
“Coming from Owerri Zone, I believe it is our turn, and I am properly positioned to continue from where Governor Uzodimma will stop,” he said.
