Political tension is brewing in Orlu zone following speculations that Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma may favour Owerri zone as the preferred zone to produce his successor in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Governor Uzodimma, who hails from Orlu zone, is reportedly inclined toward adhering to the principles of the Imo Charter of Equity, which advocates for a rotational power-sharing arrangement among the three zones starting with Owerri zone.
While the governor has yet to make any official announcement, insiders suggest he may be considering a successor from one of Owerri zone’s nine local government areas.
However, this potential decision has stirred controversy among political leaders in Orlu zone. Some governorship aspirants from the zone are set to move against the perceived tide.
Sources reveal that two prominent politicians within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Orlu zone are preparing to enter the gubernatorial race, in a bid to defy any anticipated endorsement of an Owerri zone candidate within the party.
A close ally of one of the aspirants told INNONEWS that “There is no law barring Orlu zone politicians from contesting the governorship in 2027.
“Every election cycle witnesses candidates from all the three zones- Owerri, Okigwe, Orlu and 2027 will not be different.The governor’s preferences, if true, do not eliminate the right of Orlu zone politicians to run.” he said.
Orlu zone has held the governorship of Imo State for a cumulative 24 years, producing Governors Achike Udenwa, Rochas Okorocha, and the incumbent Hope Uzodimma.
In contrast, Owerri zone has only seen Emeka Ihedioha hold the office briefly for seven months before his tenure was cut short by a Supreme Court ruling in 2020.
Critics argue that a transition to Owerri zone in 2027 aligns with equity and fairness, but some groups within Orlu zone, including the Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA), had expressed initial resistance.
Last year, OPOCA opposed early campaigns for an Owerri zone candidate, calling it premature as Governor Uzodimma had just secured his second term. This move led to fierce resistance from pro Owerri zone groups such as the vocal, Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition, OZAC.
OZAC in response to OPOCA, in a statement on April 20, 2024 and signed by Emmanuel Okwu, its President, said “OPOCA’s resistance is rooted in a misguided perception of political reality, characterized by paranoia and an unwillingness to acknowledge the efficacy of the Imo Charter of Equity.
“Its unwarranted hostility towards Owerri Zone’s gubernatorial aspirations is indicative of its posture to truncate the tenets of the Charter of Equity in order to maintain the dominance of Orlu zone of Imo governorship” OZAC stated.
However, while some Orlu politicians gear up for the race, some stakeholders in the zone have cautioned against actions by some persons in the zone to erode its unity.
Mr. Collins Opurozor, a rising political leader in Orlu, warned, “We will resist attempts by anyone from Orlu zone trying to sow discord in the zone.
“Politicians who want to destabilize Orlu zone for selfish reasons will be exposed and resisted. Those who have no interest in the peace and unity of Orlu cannot be trusted with the leadership of Imo State” he stated in a statement he signed.
On the other hand, a chieftain of the APC and a leader in Owerri zone, Hon Victor Offurum expressed concern over Orlu’s apparent reluctance to support an Owerri candidate.
He said If Orlu zone opposes an Owerri governor in 2027, it signals that Owerri zone must strategize beyond seeking political favours or prostrating before Orlu or anyone to secure the governorship.
“However, I believe that majority of genuine leaders in Orlu zone, including Governor Hope Uzodimma is inclined to be fair by backing Owerri zone to produce Imo governor in 2027 because it is in line with the tenets of equity, justice and fair play” he concluded.
Though Governor Uzodimma has remained silent on the contentious issue of succession, analysts predict that debates over the Imo Charter of Equity, his choice of successor and zoning will intensify in the new year.
