President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo were prominent figures at the commencement of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s second term in Imo State. Tinubu, who had earlier attended a function in Abuja for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, arrived at Owerri’s Sam Mbakwe Airport around 1 pm on Monday. Accompanied by government officials, he received a warm welcome from Governor Uzodimma and other leaders of Imo State. Obasanjo was also present at the Dan Anyiam Stadium event, along with other dignitaries, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. Anambra Governor Charles Soludo was represented by his deputy Onyekachi Ibezim.

Despite the South-East sit-at-home event, Imo State residents defied it, turning out in large numbers for the swearing-in ceremony. Colorfully attired, they marched through the streets to the Dan Anyiam Stadium. The inauguration occurred approximately two months after Uzodimma, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured a second term in office, defeating rivals Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP)’s Athan Achonu. Uzodimma received 540,308 votes, while the PDP candidate secured 71,503 votes, and Nneji Achonu polled 64,081 votes.