In the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial elections in Imo State, aspirants from Orlu zone are expected to outnumber aspirants from Owerri and Okigwe zones combined, raising questions about adherence to the much trumpeted Charter of Equity.
The Charter, initiated by Imo State Council Of Elders, promotes a rotational governorship between the three zones, and is set to favour Owerri zone for 2027.
However, INNONEWS findings last week revealed a strong resistance to the Charter from some powerful forces in Orlu zone. The Zone has held the governorship of the State for over 24 years.
Several prominent individuals and groups within Orlu, including the influential Orlu Consultative Assembly (OPOCA), have not openly backed the Charter.
OPOCA had rather condemned any effort from Owerri zone or anyone to distract Governor Hope Uzodimma, who hails from Orlu zone.
OPOCA’s leader, Rex Anunobi, is a serving Commissioner in Uzodimma’s government.
Some of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s close associates from Orlu zone are planning to run for governorship in 2027, dependable sources told this newspaper last night.
“We can’t be sidelined in the jostle for governoship in 2027. There has never been a time any zone was excluded from participating in the governorship race of Imo State,” said one guber aspirant, who intends to contest in 2027.
Some stakeholders in the zone argue that no legal grounds exist for barring candidates from any part of the state, and they view the Charter of Equity as a means to “disenfranchise” their zone.
“Owerri and Okigwe may have legitimate claims to the seat, but we in Orlu zone have equal rights,” he emphasized.
“I see the Charter of Equity as some sort of gimmick to wade off the people of Orlu from Imo governorship in 2027.”he said.
In the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, influx of gubernatorial hopefuls, particularly from Orlu is imminent, as over six guber aspirants are expected to vie for the party’s nomination.
In contrast, Owerri zone has shown a unified front in its ambition to claim the 2027 seat, while in Okigwe zone, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim remains one of the few high-profile figures who is expected to contest.