Since his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has maintained an unusual silence on political affairs in Imo State.
While Ihedioha had been relatively quiet even before his resignation, his recent near-total withdrawal from public engagements has raised questions about whether this is a strategic move or a miscalculation that could cost him in the long run.
At a time when political figures in Imo State are actively positioning themselves for 2027, Ihedioha’s absence from the political discourse is striking. There was a time when rumors suggested he was set to join the Labour Party, especially after pictures surfaced of him meeting with Mr. Peter Obi as well as the Abia State governor, Alex Otti.
However, that speculation quickly faded, and nothing substantial came from it. His supporters, once vocal about his chances of making a comeback, are now left wondering if he still has a plan—or if he has quietly accepted political retirement.
Ihedioha is a well-known strategist, and his silence may be a calculated decision. Sometimes, in politics, stepping back allows one to observe, reassess, and strike at the right moment. He may be waiting for the dust to settle before making his next move, avoiding unnecessary political battles in a state where alliances shift quickly. Furthermore, given the current state of opposition politics in Imo, he may be avoiding entanglements that could weaken his chances of making a strong return.
However, the risk of staying silent for too long is that it creates a vacuum. Politics, like nature, abhors a vacuum, and already, new players are stepping in to fill the space. Some figures are gradually gaining more visibility across the state today.
If Ihedioha hopes to reclaim his mandate in 2027, his silence may give the impression that he is no longer interested or that he lacks the momentum to challenge the political status quo.
A political comeback requires visibility, engagement, and strategic alliances. While Ihedioha may believe in the power of a well-timed reemergence, the reality is that time waits for no one in politics. The longer he remains silent, the more difficult it will be to rally the support he needs.
Is Ihedioha’s silence a masterstroke or a political misstep? Only time will tell. But as 2027 approaches, he may need to break that silence sooner rather than later—before others define the narrative in his absence.
