The journey to producing an Owerri Zone governor in 2027 is fraught with challenges, most notably the inability of the zone to unite. This persistent issue of disunity has long been the greatest obstacle to achieving their goal of reclaiming the governorship of Imo State.
For years, Owerri Zone has struggled to rally behind a single candidate. Individuals and groups within the zone consistently prioritize their personal ambitions over collective progress, leaving the zone politically fragmented and unable to assert itself effectively.
And I tend to believe that Governor Hope Uzodimma understands this political anomaly that plagues Owerri zone. The political divisiveness of the zone, compounded by internal strifes among the sub-zones like Mbaike, Mbaise, and the Oratta bloc, makes consensus a near-impossible task.
The critical question remains: can Mbaike align or agree with Mbaise or the Oratta bloc to choose someone as Owerri zone consensus candidate for 2027 Imo guber? History strongly suggests otherwise.
This pattern of disunity is not new. In 2019, Owerri Zone abandoned its own son, Emeka Ihedioha, to support Rochas Okorocha from Orlu Zone. Earlier, in 1998, when Humphrey Anumudu from Mbaike emerged as the PDP gubernatorial candidate, some the zone’s leaders, led by Late I.D. Nwoga, chose to back Achike Udenwa from Orlu Zone instead.
Fast forward to the build-up to the 2027 gubernatorial race, and the situation appears to be repeating itself.
Pro-Owerri Zone groups such as IHP, OZAC, and OZOPOLF remain deeply divided.Or to put mildly, are not holding meetings together. Their lack of cohesion further underscores the zone’s inability to present a united front.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, a seasoned political strategist, has factored this fragmentation into his plans in choosing a sucessor.He understands that relying on Owerri Zone to present a unified successor is almost impossible. This likely explains why he has kept his options open. And I may not be wrong to say that he may possibly explore the option of a successor from outside the zone—though certainly not from Orlu Zone, which has dominated Imo governorship for decades.
This understanding also explains his noncommittal stance during his meeting with Owerri Zone stakeholders’ at Government House, Owerri, on March 10, 2025, where the issue of the Charter of Equity was discussed.
His hesitation to declare that the charter would begin with Owerri Zone is telling and very instructive. Given that the charter is not legally binding, the Governor is under no obligation to adhere to it.
If Uzodimma genuinely wants to see an Owerri Zone governor succeed him, the only realistic path forward is for him to identify one of his trusted allies from the zone and get the zone’s leaders, stakeholders’ and Interest groups to back this choice.
In other words, he can help Owerri zone to achieve its age long desires. Except he wields the big stick and chooses for the zone, it will be impossible for all the groups and stakeholders in the zone with their diverse and pluralistic tendencies to make a head way.
Without such deliberate strategy, Owerri Zone risks remaining politically ineffective and sidelined in the race to 2027 governorship because it will be the ninth wonder of the word if all the stakeholders and groups agree, truly unite and reconcile to produce a consensus person.
However, history shows that no Imo governor has successfully installed a successor. That is another kettle of fish. Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim, and Rochas Okorocha all failed in this regard. Ohakim had no chance to install any because he was not re elected for a second term.
Udenwa came closest, managing to install Ohakim with the backing of then-INEC Chairman Maurice Iwu, after his preferred candidate, Charles Ugwu, was defeated by anti-Udenwa forces.
Okorocha, on the other hand, made a politically costly error by endorsing his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu. This move not only faced widespread rejection from Imolites but also reignited opposition to the idea of another Orlu Zone governor succeeding him.
Uzodimma, however, appears to be playing his cards differently and smartly. With a wealth of political experience and a sharp understanding of Imo’s political dynamics, he is well-positioned to make a decisive choice, because a wrong choice could boomerang.
Unlike his predecessors, Uzodimma seems determined to avoid their mistakes. For him, merit and competence are also top priorities alongside the Charter of Equity in selecting a preferred successor. And as he carefully maneuvers the political dynamics, the question remains whether Owerri Zone can rise above its divisions to seize this historic opportunity. I hope so and I come in peace.
Amadi, an Imo indigene, writes from.Owerri