The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), a prominent socio political group advocating for the next Imo State governor to emerge from Owerri zone in 2027, has alleged of a coordinated effort by influential figures—some allegedly within Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration—to truncate the zone’s 2027 governorship bid.
In a statement released Sunday and signed by OZAC President, Emmanuel Okwu, the group raised alarm over what it describes as a “deliberate strategy” to stymie Owerri’s legitimate guber ambition.
In the statement, Okwu asserted that, while OZAC understands that political power is not freely given, it is “against the grain of common sense” for individuals within Owerri zone to be aligning with elements from Okigwe and Orlu zones to thwart the aspirations of Owerri.
“Some of these forces are within the corridors of power, and by the first quarter of next year, they plan to unleash narratives to convince Imolites to reject Owerri zone’s genuine bid for 2027 guber.”he said.
OZAC warned that these elements are preparing to flood the 2027 governorship race with numerous candidates from Owerri zone, thus dividing votes and destabilizing the zone’s quest for unity.
“We already know who these moles are and the spoiler role they have agreed to play for the benefit of forces working against Owerri’s bid,” Okwu stated.
“These operatives view certain figures in Owerri as ‘political gluttons’ who would sell out for a pittance, compromising the zone’s long-term political interests and agenda.”it declared.
This tactic, according to OZAC, has been used in previous election cycles in the State.
“We are convinced the same approach is being revived to discredit Owerri’s rightful quest to secure the governorship in 2027,” the statement noted.
Emphasizing the need for adherence to the Imo Charter of Equity—a framework aimed at balancing power among the three zones in the State—the group expressed confidence that Governor Uzodimma supports this principle and is “irrevocably committed to ensuring it’s implementation to the latter”
“By the terms of the Charter, Owerri Zone is due for the governorship. We call on His Excellency to address individuals in his administration who oppose the Charter”it stated
OZAC also announced plans for a high-level Owerri zone stakeholders’ meeting in mid-2025, to be held first in London aimed at galvanizing political and economic leaders in support of Owerri’s zone’s 2027 bid.
“We will adopt a unified position and strategy, ensuring our voices are aligned to achieve this goal,” the statement declared.
OZAC called on political allies across Orlu and Okigwe zones to “support wholeheartedly the quest for an Owerri governor in 2027” as a matter of equity and fairness.