The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) has dismissed claims in some quarters that Governor Hope Uzodimma is being distracted by the advocacy of several groups who are advocating for an Imo governor of Owerri zone extraction in 2027.
In a statement signed by OZAC Publicity Secretary, Ernest Nkemedirim, it stated that: “OZAC, or any other group in Owerri zone, are not in any manner distracting the Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma from concentrating on good governance for the State, by narratives for the 2027 Imo governorship election.”
The group noted that Governor Uzodimma himself started the discourse about the 2027 governorship during his electioneering campaign in 2023, when he promised to hand over to Owerri zone at the end of his second term in 2027.
“Governor Uzodimma has rather shown relentless commitment to deliver both tangible and intangible dividends of democracy to the people of the State since he was sworn in as governor for a second term in January 2024,” the statement read.
The group highlighted the Governor’s achievements since January 2024 he was sworn in for a second term, which include signing an MOU with an Egyptian firm to boost power supply in the State, appointing sole administrators for 27 local governments, swearing in commissioners and special advisers, hosting a team from Afriexim bank which intends to build Africa Quality Assurance Centre in the state, and other several landmark engagements.
“A Governor who is distracted cannot engage in such high-profile engagements which will augur well for the development of the State.
“This is a clear indication that he is not distracted from the enormous task of governance in any way by anyone or groups as wrongly insinuated” the statement said.
OZAC also pointed out that the Imo State Council of Elders started the narratives about 2027 governorship in 2023, and that early political discourse for future elections is not out of place, citing talks about the 2027 presidential race and ongoing possible merger discussions between the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party.
“We are supportive of the efforts, policies and programmes of the Governor thus far for the development of the State. He cannot be distracted because he is very focused
“OZAC rather remains committed to the implementation of the Imo Charter of Equity, which translates to equitable rotation of Imo governorship among the three zones in the State starting from Owerri zone in 2027” the statement concluded.
