Political analysts in Imo State are sounding the alarm, warning that Orlu Zone is employing strategic maneuvers to produce a sucessor to Governor Hope Uzodimma in the 2027 governorship election, despite the existence of the Imo Charter of Equity.
Chuks Offurum, a seasoned analyst, asserts that recent tensions between Owerri and Okigwe Zones would give Orlu zone the edge and eventual dominance in the race to produce Governor Hope Uzodimma’s successor.
Offurum highlighted the recent intensity of political altercations between Owerri and Okigwe, indicating that their reluctance to concede to each other in the long run, will eventually pave the way for Orlu’s triumph in the race for 2027 Imo guber.
INNONEWS reports that the Imo State Council of Elders had established the Imo Charter of Equity to ensure fair rotation of the governorship among Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri Zones.
However, Governor Uzodimma’s reassurance that Owerri Zone will produce his successor in 2028 faces skepticism given historical disparities.
Owerri Zone’s limited gubernatorial tenure contrasts starkly with Orlu’s extensive dominance, exemplified by Senator Hope Uzodimma’s tenure following Emeka Ihedioha’s removal by the Supreme Court in January 2020.
As the 2027 gubernatorial race looms, Hon. John Ike, a former councillor, predicts a contentious battle between Owerri and Okigwe zones, emphasizing that Orlu Zone will be reluctant to relinquish power easily.
He cautioned stakeholders in Owerri Zone to remain vigilant, citing signs of Orlu’s strategic machinations, four years to the 2027 guber polls.
Recall that Barr. Rex Anunobi, President of Orlu Political Consultative Assembly, had urged Owerri Zone governorship candidates to withdraw legal challenges against Governor Uzodimma in the 2023 guber election as a prerequisite for Owerri’s gubernatorial candidacy to earn its support.
Ike said “I foresee fault lines in the Imo political landscape being resurrected when the scramble for power begins before the guber polls.
“Owerri and Okigwe zones will never agree on which of them should go for the guber first. In the long run, Orlu will exploit these fault lines effectively and carry the day because they will surely get allies from Owerri and Okigwe zones who will back them” Ike stated.
Amidst escalating tensions between Owerri and Okigwe zones and Orlu Zone’s calculated maneuvers, analysts further contend that the tussle for Imo governorship in 2028 will be shaped by high-stakes showdown, where strategic alliances, legal battles, and political brinkmanship.