Why Ohakim Lost Re-Election in 2011

DDM NEWS

Dr Ohakim

The 2011 gubernatorial election in Imo State, Nigeria, saw the defeat of incumbent Governor Ikedi Ohakim. Several factors contributed to his loss:

Ohakim’s administration was marred by allegations of corruption, inefficiency, and poor governance.

Many Imo residents felt that he had not delivered on his campaign promises, leading to widespread discontent.

Critics argued that Ohakim’s administration lacked visible projects that could have improved the lives of Imo residents.

This perceived lack of tangible achievements eroded public confidence in his leadership.

Ohakim faced significant opposition from within his own party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Internal conflicts and factionalism weakened his position and made it difficult for him to mobilize support.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Rochas Okorocha, ran a strong campaign that resonated with many Imo residents.

Okorocha’s message of change and his promise to address the state’s development challenges appealed to voters.

Rochas Okorocha emerged victorious in the 2011 gubernatorial election, defeating Ikedi Ohakim and other candidates.

Ohakim’s loss marked a significant shift in Imo State’s politics, with Okorocha’s administration promising a new era of governance and development.

The 2011 election outcome reflected the desire of Imo residents for better governance and development.

Ohakim’s loss served as a reminder of the importance of delivering on campaign promises and maintaining a strong connection with constituents.

Many Imo people then accused Ohakim of initiating phantom projects like the Agro-Nova Farm Project, which was in partnership with some South African farmers but did not live up to all the hype and never saw the light of day.

The Imo airlines, Oak Refinery in Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area, the N60 billion Oguta “Wonder” Lake Resort and Conference Centre, all remained a mirage.

The 150-kilometre long freeway that Ohakim promised will pass through 500 communities, 19 local government areas, 39 markets with 13 electronic tollgates, connecting Oguta “Wonder” Lake Resort and the entire state, which he described as the most ambitious road project, ended as pipe dream.

The case of Standard Shoes Industry is a very pathetic one. Ohakim was alleged to have secured a loan of over N350 million with high interest rate from the now defunct Oceanic Bank to resuscitate this factory but that never happened. The list is endless.

Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim failed to get re-elected in Imo State partly because of the strong allegation that some of his security officers in convoy, manhandled a Catholic priest for not clearing the road fast enough for the governor to pass but that was a Catholic Church issue and had nothing to do with Owerri Zone.

Ohakim was alleged to have chosen to enrich the so-called hungry, inconsequential and greedy stakeholders with zero electoral value believing there will be a repetition of the ‘political miracle’ that led to his emergence as Governor.

Ohakim’s unpardonable neglect of Okigwe Zone, caused disenchantment among the people, who felt he could have done to Okigwe what Udenwa did to Orlu, when he relocated the Imo State University Teaching Hospital and international Market to Orlu.

The people of Okigwe Zone expected Ohakim to move the Imo State University School of Engineering to Okigwe but it never happened.

Okigwe township, a peculiar city with its lovely hilly terrain and beautiful landscape gained nothing, even the regional water scheme did not function after commissioning by the then President Yar’Adua and such really worked against his re-election.

The ‘dreaded’ ENTRACO then was used to victimize and traumatize Imo citizens especially Owerri residents.

The enabling law establishing this hostile agency was passed retroactively by the Imo State House of Assembly.

The ENTRACO men really caused trouble for Ohakim, as ENTRACO became a law unto itself, by knocking down people’s buildings, pulling down stores and businesses without recourse to due process.

The ENTRACO agents, removed license plates on vehicles parked on the streets, while the rich and powerful people, who were well-connected to Ohakim’s ‘New Face’ government, parked their vehicles illegally and anywhere they chose even as majority, who paid the so-called “fines” hardly got receipts.

Okorocha turned on the charm, which endeared him to the masses.
He held Imo people spellbound with his oratorical skills, fake promises and politically-motivated free education scheme that failed woefully upon introduction to the state school system.

It was a big tale of woe and flagrant misuse of public resources with relics as dilapidated blocks of classrooms in many Imo public primary schools today.

Ohakim’s wife and Imo First Lady then, Barrister Chioma Ohakim was accused of using harsh and unkind words for Imo masses.

She could not connect deeply with Imo Women but was so vocal and visible; eventually she became a political liability for her husband.

She failed to use her position as Imo First Lady, to mobilize and carry Imo Women along for maximum political advantage especially for her husband’s re-election.

Imo women were disappointed and saw her opposite then in Mrs Okorocha, this is despite Mrs Ohakim’s pet project – Empowerment for Women and Youth Initiative (EWAYI), which made much noise than impact.

Ohakim was accused of harassing and even intimidating those that spoke against his government. He was also accused of being arrogant and could not connect effectively with Imo masses.

His government was blamed for being unable to address and stop the kidnappings, abductions and assassinations in Imo State then, which many alleged were politically motivated.

Ohakim’s feud With former President Goodluck Jonathan also contributed.

Ohakim’s loss was tragic because it truncated the zoning arrangement.

Hence created a huge imbalance in the system and making one zone to dominate overwhelmingly.

However Ohakim has learnt his mistakes by now and poised to correct the imbalance in the system.

His vision for human capacity building by creating the ten thousand job scheme was second to none.

His clear vision for the development of Imo state is his major reason for the clamour for his return in 2027/28 election season.

Can the people trust him? and if they do , can he really make a change?

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