PDP vows to oppose Rochas Okorocha's plans to install his son-in-law as next governor

IMO State governor Rochas Okorocha has been accused by the opposition Peoples democratic Party (PDP) of seeking to impose his son-in-law Uche Nwosu on the state as his successor next year.

Mr Nwosu, who is currently serving in Governor Okorocha's cabinet as his chief of staff is married to the governor's first daughter, Uloma. According to the PDP, Governor Okorocha plans to impose his son-in-law on the state as the next governor and the party has vowed to fight the move bitterly.

Earlier this week, Governor Okorocha said:“Uche Nwosu possesses all the qualities to be a good governor. He can exercise regard for the poor and he can make sacrifices.

“My happiness at the end of this administration is to see a worthy successor who will not destroy free education and work for the state as if his life depends on that. I won’t impose anybody but I am entitled to support anybody that I see can do the job.”

Reacting to the governor’s declaration, the PDP chairman in the state, Charles Ezekwem, said that Imo State had gone beyond the stage of family business. He rejected the handing over of political power from father-in-law to his son-in-law after eight years.

Mr Ezekwem said: “This family business will not work, so the idea of Okorocha handing over power to his son-in-law after eight years will not work. This familiocracy will be rejected because Imo people are highly educated and civilised.”

He further revealed that his party had started the process of ensuring that the party would reclaim the state in 2019. Imo State was governed by the PDP between 1999 and 2011 until Governor Okorocha was elected and won a second term in 2015.