More than three prominent political figures from Orlu zone are eying the governorship seat of the State in 2027 in defiance of Imo Charter of Equity
Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is from Orlu zone, will complete his two terms in 2027, marking 24 years of the zone’s hold on the governorship seat.
Orlu zone dominance of the governorship seat of the State has led to calls from other zones for a rotation of power, citing the need for equity and fairness.
In response to such growing demand, the Imo State Council of Elders designed and formulated the Imo Charter of Equity, aimed at ensuring a seamless rotation of power among the three geopolitical zones in the state.
Despite the acceptance of the Charter by generality of stakeholders in the State, it appears that Orlu zone may not be willing to relinquish its grip on the seat without participating in the contest.
Among those rumored to be interested in the race from Orlu zone are a serving member of the House of Representatives, a former National Officer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and a former governorship candidate who was a key player in the administration of former governor Rochas Okorocha.
Former Majority Leader of Imo State House of Assembly, Lugard Osuji, had said that all the three zones in the State, especially Orlu, are free to contest for the governorship in 2027.
Osuji said “Anyone who is qualified from any of the three zones, Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu, should contest for the governorship.”
“Even if the next governor after Hope Uzodimma is from Orlu zone and has the mandate of the people by winning a free and fair Governorship election, he should be allowed to govern the State” he stated.
However, it is expected that these aspirants from Orlu zone would encounter stiff resistance from Owerri zone, which has been vocal in its demand for the seat.
Groups such as Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) and Imo Harmony Project are relentless in their pursuit for an Imo governor of Owerri zone extraction in 2027.
Okigwe zone is also in the mix, with former Governor Ikedi Ohakim emerging as a frontrunner from the zone.
Ohakim’s allies in Owerri zone have been making a case for his return to office, citing his experience and achievements during his previous tenure.
However, OPOCA, a major socio-political group in Orlu Zone, has set a condition for conceding power to Owerri zone: the withdrawal of court cases challenging Governor Uzodimma’s victory in the November 11, 2023 governorship election.