Imo State finds itself in the throes of political upheaval as Governor Hope Uzodimma’s commitment to relinquish power to Imo East Senatorial District (Owerri zone) after his second term, set for 2027, becomes a lightning rod for discontent.
Prior to securing victory in the November 11, 2023, governorship election, Uzodimma campaigned ardently on the pledge of a charter of equity, vowing to transfer power to Imo East by 2027.
This declaration took center stage once again shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the triumphant winner, solidifying his assurance to hand over the gubernatorial reins to the people of Owerri zone.
Uzodimma maintains that this decision aligns with the Imo Charter of Equity, designed to rotate the governorship position among the three senatorial zones of Imo East, West, and North.
He contends that such rotation addresses the festering issues of political discord, bitterness, and instills stability in the state’s political milieu.
A glance into the historical timeline reveals that since 1999, Orlu zone has wielded political power for 20 years, a figure set to reach 24 years by 2027.
Governors Achike Udenwa, Rochas Okorocha, and the incumbent Uzodimma hail from Orlu zone (Imo West), with the solitary exception being during Ikedi Ohakim’s four-year tenure from Imo North.
The political landscape during the Second Republic and the thwarted Third Republic also witnessed Chief Sam Mbakwe (Imo North) governing old Imo State, and Chief Evan Enwerem (Imo East) at the helm for 20 months between 1991 and 1992.
Uzodimma’s declaration has triggered a simmering cold war within the state.
Beyond this, intra-party strife has erupted within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) among potential governorship aspirants and their respective supporters.
Amidst these tensions, leading political parties and groups withhold their reactions, citing a wait-and-see approach until the legal battles surrounding the November 11, 2023 poll reach resolution.
In response to the unfolding scenario, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) calls upon the people of Imo State to actively organize, aiming to liberate the state from what they term the “satanic clutches” of APC in 2027.
However, a socio political group, Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC, challenged the legitimacy of the purported document called Imo State Charter of Equity, dismissing it as fraudulent and an attempt to deceive the people of Owerri Zone in 2027.
As the political drama unfolds, key figures like Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, Ikedi Ohakim, Emeka Ihedioha, Jerry Chukwueke, Theodore Ekechi, and Sir Jude Ejiogu are emerging as noteworthy players with potential governorship ambitions in 2027.
INNONEWS observed that the political stage is set for a transformative period in Imo State’s political landscape, and will be marked by fierce battles and strategic maneuvering.
