A prominent non-partisan group, the Imo Young Professionals Group (IYPG), has formally called on respected entrepreneur and traditional leader, Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu, to enter the 2027 governorship race in Imo State.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the group, made up of over 500 professionals from across the three senatorial zones of the state, emphasized the need for visionary, educated, and non-career politicians to take charge of Imo’s future. Highlighting the long-standing calls for equity and rotation under the “Imo Charter of Equity,” the group noted that while the formula has seen repeated breaches, the future now lies in the hands of the state’s youth.

“We have set up a team to engage one man who is not a professional politician, but a serial investor, human capital developer, and one who has prepared himself for leadership,” the group said, naming Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu as their preferred candidate.

Chief Ejiogu, a graduate of Public Administration from the University of Abuja, is a major player in Nigeria’s real estate and hospitality sectors, employing over 500 people. He is also the Traditional Prime Minister of Anara Ancient Kingdom and holds the chieftaincy title Akaekpuchi Onwa of Mbano. The group praised his integrity, energy, and commitment to public service, describing him as a symbol of homegrown excellence and leadership.

Speaking in response to the growing calls for his candidacy, Chief Ejiogu confirmed he is “subtly and widely” consulting.

“The Association and many other notable ones are unrelenting in their calls for me to join the political affray for the Douglas House, come 2027,” he said. “I am still subtly consulting and widely, too. I will not want to distract His Excellency Senator Uzodinma for the good job he is doing. At the appropriate time, I would speak to Ndi Imo.”

The 2027 governorship election is expected to be fiercely contested, with rising calls for youth participation, professional competence, and a reawakening of the values enshrined in the Imo Charter of Equity. As the political climate heats up, many will be watching Chief Ejiogu’s next move with keen interest.