Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has made a significant decision for the upcoming 2023 governorship election in the state. In an effort to promote gender representation in politics, he has selected a female lawyer, Barr. Nnedinma Ekomaru, as his running mate. This strategic move has generated a lot of interest and anticipation among the residents of Imo State.
Initially, Governor Uzodimma had proposed Engr. Ralph Nwosu, the Commissioner for Works, as the placeholder for the running mate position. However, this left room for speculation and intense lobbying from various individuals vying for the slot. After careful consideration and consultation, the Governor finalized his decision and submitted Barr. Ekomaru’s name to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja as his official running mate.
Barr. Nnedinma Ekomaru brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the political landscape of Imo State. She has been practicing law for over 20 years and is married to Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru, a highly respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Her roots can be traced back to the Umunoha community in Mbaitoli local government area of the state, making her intimately familiar with the needs and aspirations of the people.
The decision to select a female running mate aligns with the calls from various women groups in Imo State, who have advocated for increased representation and participation of women in politics. Governor Uzodimma’s choice not only demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity but also empowers women to take on leadership roles and contribute to the development of the state.
It is worth noting that Barr. Ekomaru’s entry into politics is relatively recent. Prior to this, she was not considered a politician. However, her husband, Chief Chukwuma, made an attempt to govern the state under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but was unsuccessful in winning the primary election. Despite her previous non-political background, Barr. Ekomaru’s legal expertise and dedication to public service make her a valuable addition to Governor Uzodimma’s team.