The 2027 governorship election in Imo State is fast approaching, and all eyes are on Owerri Zone.
Their ambition to take over power after Governor Hope Uzodimma’s tenure is no secret. Yet, amidst the clamour and rhetoric, one must ask: how serious is Owerri Zone about this quest? Are they ready to face the brutal realities of Imo politics, or are they relying on a false sense of entitlement?
Since the inception of the Imo Charter of Equity, Owerri Zone has clung to it as though it is a binding law. The charter, designed to ensure equitable rotation of the governorship among the three zones—Owerri, Orlu, and Okigwe—has remained more of an ideal than a practical guide.
Despite this, Owerri acts as though it’s their birthright to take over in 2027 simply because the charter exists. But here’s the bitter truth: power isn’t given; it is taken. If Owerri Zone believes the governorship will be handed to them on a platter, they are in for a rude awakening.
Adding to their sense of entitlement is the claim that Governor Uzodimma has promised to hand over to Owerri Zone. But how concrete is this promise?
Okigwe Zone has countered, arguing that Uzodimma pledged the governorship to whichever zone delivered the highest votes in his 2023 re-election. By their estimation, Okigwe met that criterion and now believes it has earned the right to succeed Uzodimma.
These conflicting claims should be a wake-up call for Owerri Zone, yet the zone seems oblivious to the political storm brewing.
The fact remains that Governor Uzodimma has not sent any clear signals about his preferred successor.
With less than two years to the next election, the governor appears to be keeping his cards close to his chest. For Owerri Zone, this ambiguity should be a source of concern. If Uzodimma truly intended to hand over to Owerri, there would likely be visible signs by now—a core subtly loyalist being groomed, alliances being built, or strategic groundwork being laid.But none of this is evident.
Instead, Owerri Zone seems to be relying on groups like OZOPOLF, OZAC and others, whose efforts amount to nothing more than shouting into the void.
These organizations have repeatedly played the old song of marginalization and cited the Imo Charter of Equity as their rallying cry. But politics is not driven by emotional appeals alone.
Marginalization is a fact, yes, but it is not enough to sway power. Owerri Zone must understand that no zone will willingly step aside for them to rule; they must fight for it with strategy, unity, and political dexterity.The complacency in Owerri Zone is baffling, especially when contrasted with the moves being made in other zones.
Orlu Zone, despite holding power for over two decades, is still in the race. Charles Orie’s early declaration of interest in the 2027 governorship is a testament to Orlu’s readiness to stay in contention. Okigwe Zone, on the other hand, has been vocal and organized, staking its claim on the promise of votes delivered to Uzodimma.
Meanwhile, Owerri Zone is stuck in a cycle of complaints and assumptions, with no visible effort to unify or galvanize its people. The absence of a unifying figure in Owerri Zone has further weakened its bid. The death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu dealt a significant blow to the zone. Iwuanyanwu was not just a leader but a symbol of hope and cohesion for Owerri.
Without him, the zone appears rudderless, with no one stepping up to fill the void. This lack of leadership raises a critical question: whom will other zones trust to lead Imo from Owerri Zone? If the zone cannot even unite behind a single leader or strategy, how can it convince the rest of the state that it deserves to govern?
The reality is harsh but clear: zoning, as proposed by the Imo Charter of Equity, is not a law. It is a glorified gentleman’s agreement, and in Nigerian politics, such agreements are often trampled underfoot. Owerri Zone must stop relying on the charter as their sole weapon. They must build alliances and show the other zones why they deserve to lead. Power is not given out of pity; it is earned through hard work, negotiation, and a clear vision.
In the APC, over 30 aspirants, mostly from Owerri zone are reportedly eyeing the governorship, most of them waiting for Uzodimma’s endorsement.
This is where the game of succession becomes brutal. It moves fast and requires relentless passion. Yet, Owerri Zone seems to lack both the urgency and the strategy needed to compete. Their complacency is not just disappointing; it is dangerous. Without a drastic change in approach, they risk losing out entirely.
The stark truth is that the Imo governorship in 2027 will not come to Owerri Zone by default. The other zones—Orlu and Okigwe—are prepared to fight tooth and nail for it. If Owerri Zone wants to be taken seriously, they must stop playing politics of entitlement and step into the arena with a unified front. They need a strong leader, a clear strategy, and the determination to outmaneuver their rivals. Otherwise, their dream of taking over from Uzodimma will remain just that—a dream.
The question is no longer whether they deserve the governorship but whether they are ready to fight for it. The battle for 2027 will not wait for anyone, and Owerri Zone must decide if they want to be contenders or spectators. The choice is theirs, but the clock is ticking
Nwokeji, an Imo Indigene, Writes From Abuja.
“Marginalization is a fact, yes, but it is not enough to sway power. Owerri Zone must understand that no zone will willingly step aside for them to rule; they must fight for it with strategy, unity, and political dexterity.The complacency in Owerri Zone is baffling, especially when contrasted with the moves being made in other zones”
