Three years ahead of the Imo State governorship election, the Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) says it has knowledge of those who will not succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma.
In an exclusive interview with INNONEWS from London, OZAC President, Emmanuel Okwu said the group has remained resolute in its advocacy for an Imo governor of Owerri zone extraction.
“Our zone has been marginalised for too long, and it’s time for us to produce the next governor when the time comes” he said.
Okwu expressed optimism about Owerri zone producing the next governor in 2027, despite competition from other zones, particularly Okigwe.
“We do not know those who will succeed the Governor, but we know those who will not get a chance.
“The people of Imo State will decide, and largely the governor. We are confident our zone will emerge victorious in succeeding the governor.” he stated.
He recalled that OZAC had raised concerns about the Charter of Equity’s workability in selecting a successor, citing the consensus method used by the ruling APC and Governor Uzodimma to select Councillorship and Chairmanship candidates for the 305 wards and 27 local government areas.
“We had expressed worry on the workability of the Charter of Equity being used as a tool to get a successor for the governor.
“We only expressed concern that based on the consensus method used to select candidates for Councillorship and Chairmanship, the same method may be used to handpick or choose a successor.” he said.
Okwu expressed optimism that Owerri zone would be favoured in selecting a sucessor even if handpicking occurs.
“Owerri zone has the capacity, competence, and charisma to produce the next governor.
“We’re not worried about the handpicking of candidates; our zone will still emerge victorious.” Okwu said.
He said as part of measures to achieve their objective, OZAC has initiated widespread consultations.
“We are taking our time. We don’t want to distract the governor with our agitation for an Imo governor of Owerri zone extraction. But we will not relent in our pursuit of this noble objective.
“We have begun the process of consultations, and by mid-next year, we shall unveil our roadmap and plans.” he said.
Okwu emphasized the importance of unity among Owerri zone stakeholders to achieve the task of producing a governor.
“We’re calling on all sons and daughters of Owerri zone to unite behind this cause. We must work together to achieve our goal. We will not be divided by petty politics or personal interests.”he concluded.