Governor Uzodimma’s preferred choice for the deputy governorship position—and a possible successor should he resign to contest the Orlu Zone Senate seat, Dr. Ken Onyeali-Ikpe—was recently seen in a photograph with opposition leader Peter Obi, following what was described as a private meeting. This development has attracted political attention, given the perceived opposition between Peter Obi and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Also present was Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe.
The situation has generated further controversy amid ongoing political tensions in Imo State, including the planned impeachment process involving the current Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ekemaru, who has reportedly resisted pressure to resign. Earlier attempts to nominate the Government House Chaplain, Rev. Father Gilbert Alaribe, for a deputy governorship position did not work out .
Dr. Ken Onyeali-Ikpe is married to Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank. She is reportedly influential in certain Imo government–financial deals and is said to have facilitated recent deals between the state government and Afreximbank. Following these developments,her husband’s Dr ken Onyeali-ikpe has been ticked by Uzodimma as a replacement should Tbe deputy governor is impeached.
This has raised questions in some political circles about whether Governor Uzodimma is aware of Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s perceived political alignments with Peter Obi against president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the implications they may have for succession plans within the state.