ROCHAS OKOROCHA – IMO STATE GOVERNOR-ELECT
Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, Governor – elect of Imo State, was born on 22 September 1962 in Ogboko, Ideato South, Imo State. He attended Juladaco High School, Jos (1976-1981), before proceeding to the University of Jos (1990-1991) where he obtained a diploma in Public Administration. He later returned to the University of Jos (1993-1994) to obtain an advanced diploma in Public Administration.
Over the years, this successful businessman has held top positions including President, Nigeria Red Cross Society, President/Foundation, Rochas Foundation Inc; President, Rochas Group of Companies Limited; Pro Chancellor, African Business School and Former Chairman, Board of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency. He was also a Commissioner on the Federal Character Commission and a member of the National Constitutional Conference.
When democracy was restored in 1999, Rochas Okorocha competed in the primaries to be People’s Democratic Party (PDP’s) candidate for governor but lost. He was also an unsuccessful candidate for president on the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) platform in 2003. To actualise his political ambition, he formed Action Alliance party in 2005 with a view to running for president in 2007 elections, but he later returned to the PDP. He also tried unsuccessfully to become PDP National Chairman.
Okorocha decamped from the PDP to the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) to run as APGA candidate for Imo State Governor in the April 2011 elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to begin with declared that the Imo Gubernatorial polls held on 26 April 2011 were inconclusive and thereby ordered reruns in 4 local government areas on 6 May, 2011.
In the said rerun, Rochas Okorocha emerged victorious and was declared’ Governor-elect.
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