Imo 2027: South-east stakeholders endorse Agbaso’s governorship aspiration

South-east leaders and stakeholders have thrown their weight behind the governorship ambition of Chief Martin Agbaso ahead of the 2027 Imo State governorship election.

The endorsement was made at a South-east Leaders and Stakeholders’ Forum held in Abuja, where participants called for greater political participation, equity and competent leadership in the state.

Speaking at the event, Agbaso, who described the gathering as humbling, said he had previously considered withdrawing from active politics to concentrate on his businesses and family.

He, however, said persistent appeals from political associates and stakeholders eventually persuaded him to reconsider his decision and respond to what he described as a renewed call to public service.

Agbaso, a businessman and financial analyst who said he chairs several major companies, explained that his decision to return to politics was driven by a desire to contribute to the development of Imo State rather than personal ambition.

“I was done with politics. I was finished with it,” he said, explaining that he had been content with his business interests, family and private life before the renewed calls to return to politics.

The former governorship candidate recalled that he first contested for the Senate at the age of 32, but faced resistance from some people who considered him too young for the position.

According to him, his years of professional, political and business experience have since broadened his understanding of leadership and governance.

Agbaso disclosed that he would formally declare his governorship ambition before the end of the year, while pledging that, if elected, his administration would be guided by integrity, accountability and prudent management of public resources.

He expressed confidence in the growing support for his ambition, attributing his return to politics to the will of God and thanking the stakeholders for their endorsement.

Also speaking, former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Nnaemeka Maduagwu, urged the South-east to adopt a new political strategy anchored on justice, equity, participation and development.

Maduagwu described Agbaso as a politician with the education, professional experience, pedigree and capacity to provide effective leadership in Imo State.

He said the South-east must begin to identify and support competent leaders capable of harnessing the region’s human capital and other resources for development.

“It is important that the South-East gets it right. It is important that the South-east is reorganised. It is important that development starts to flow into the South-east. It is important that we have security,” Maduagwu said.

He urged stakeholders to unite behind Agbaso’s aspiration, saying the 2027 election provides an opportunity to promote competence, justice and equitable political representation in Imo State.