TD Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji, who is seeking to succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma as Governor of Imo State in 2028, has urged Ndi Mbaise to make political leadership a central component of their strategy for the development of the Mbaise Nation.
Dr. Ugorji said one of the most effective ways to advance the interests and development of Mbaise is to work collectively towards electing an Mbaise man or woman as the next governor of Imo State.
He made the remarks in response to a lecture delivered by Hon. Obizie-Carl Azudibia, titled “Mbaise Strategic Advancement: The Role of Journalists.” The lecture was presented during the Pre-Iriji event organised by the Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals (FMMP) at Chris VI Hotel, Ahiara, on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
‘Seek Ye First the Political Kingdom’
Drawing from a statement attributed to the late nationalist leader, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Ugorji reminded his audience of the need for political participation as a means of achieving broader developmental objectives.
He recalled Azikiwe’s admonition to Africans to “seek ye first the political kingdom, and everything else shall be added unto you.”
Applying the principle to Mbaise, Ugorji told the journalists and other participants that Ndi Mbaise must work towards producing the next governor of Imo State if they are serious about accelerating development in the area.
“A governor from Mbaise can do more in Mbaise in one year than our collective efforts can do in thirty years,” he said.
He pointed to the development of Orlu as an example.
He noted the contributions of successive governors from the area, including the incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma, to its development.
‘We Need a Conscious and Conscientious Mbaise Governor’
Ugorji, however, cautioned that the objective should not simply be to produce a governor from Mbaise.
Rather it should be to elect what he described as a “conscious and conscientious man or woman” who would be committed to the interests of the people.
“We don’t want anyone who is insecure about his or her Mbaiseness,” he said.
His comments triggered further interest among journalists at the event, who gathered around him after the programme to seek clarification on whether he had a particular candidate in mind.
‘Yes, I Have Someone in Mind’
Asked whether he knew anyone from Mbaise who fitted his description of the person needed to become the next governor, Dr. Ugorji responded affirmatively.
“Oooh yes, I have someone in mind. My name is Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji.
“I am running for governor to succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma,” he said.
The declaration effectively turned the discussion into a direct statement of his 2028 governorship ambition.
Ugorji Highlights His Mbaise Credentials
The former commissioner also reminded journalists of his longstanding involvement in Mbaise affairs, particularly within the diaspora.
He recalled that he was the founding president of the American Federation of Mbaise Associations (AFOMA) in 1995.
According to him, AFOMA became a model for Mbaise diaspora organisations in North America and eventually contributed to the development of what is now known as Mbaise-USA.
“I have a long history of being comfortable in my Mbaise skin,” Ugorji told the journalists.
He added that the development of Mbaise would not be his only priority in government, but would constitute a “clear and evident priority” of an Ugorji administration.
Security to Remain Top Priority
Asked how his governance priorities would differ from those of Governor Uzodimma, Ugorji first acknowledged what he described as the incumbent governor’s achievements in the area of security.
According to him, Uzodimma made security a priority and succeeded in pulling Imo State back from what he described as the brink of chaos.
Ugorji said he would build on those efforts by making security not only a priority but “the number one priority” of his administration.
He proposed that the state should obtain life insurance policies for all state vigilante officers and traditional rulers, whom he described as the chief security officers of their respective autonomous communities.
Education, Employment and Healthcare
Beyond security, the former commissioner identified education, employment, development and healthcare among the areas that would receive attention under his proposed administration.
He also spoke of establishing a stronger culture of public service, including altruistic volunteer initiatives designed to support the very elderly and very young people across the state.
Honoured for Public Administration
The event also featured the presentation of an award to Dr. Ugorji by the Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals.
He was honoured for “Excellence in Public Administration” in recognition of his pioneering service as Imo State’s first Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs.
The award and his subsequent interaction with journalists provided a platform for Ugorji to articulate his vision for Mbaise and outline his ambition to succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma in 2028.
