A Seeming Conversation between two Imolites On The Politics of 2027 Imo Guber*
Mr. A:** Have you been following the discussions about the Imo Charter of Equity and the rising tension in Owerri zone ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections?
**Mr. B:** It’s the talk of the town, especially after the Governor’s meeting with Owerri zone stakeholders.
**Mr. A:** The Imo Charter of Equity was designed to ensure fairness among the three zones—Owerri, Orlu, and Okigwe—but implementing it might become problematic, especially with talks suggesting that the governorship isn’t turn by turn.
**Mr. B:** How do you mean? Are you suggesting that we abandon the Charter’s principles, which promote the rotation of governorship among the zones?
**Mr. A:** Owerri zone feels marginalized. They argue it’s their turn to produce the next governor since Orlu has dominated for many years, and Okigwe has had its share too.
**Mr. B:** Can power just appear out of nowhere? Is Owerri zone not day dreaming or the think that they will get power on a platter in 2027. Things don’t work that way. This is a game of succession, and if you miscalculate, you miss out.
**Mr. A:** True, but don’t forget that Owerri zone itself is divided on how to approach this issue. Some leaders advocate negotiating directly with Governor Hope Uzodimma.
**Mr. B:** That division is a significant problem. And which governor would want to negotiate his exit with anyone. Anyone saying that is in a wonder land. During the recent meeting between Governor Uzodimma and Owerri zone stakeholders, he emphasized the need for unity among leaders of the zone. However, some interpret his actions as a strategy to weaken their demand for the governorship. And there are other coded signals in his message to them.
**Mr. A:** You’re not entirely wrong, but I think political promises in such a tense atmosphere are hard to come by.
**Mr. B:** Meanwhile, Okigwe zone is quietly positioning itself for a stronger bid. They argue that their son, Ikedi Ohakim, never completed his tenure and should be allowed to do so in 2027. Don’t you think they have a more compelling case than Owerri?
**Mr. A:** Owerri have more compelling reasons. Since 1999, they’ve only had a governor for seven months, while Okigwe had four years under Ohakim. So, who should go first in 2027?
**Mr. B:** That’s a valid point. But Owerri’s lack of unity is its biggest weakness. Many of their leaders don’t trust one another, and more than 30 of them are interested in contesting for governor in 2027. Even some of the leaders of these groups want to contest.
**Mr. A:** Exactly. That division might cost Owerri zone its opportunity. It’s a very big problem. Meanwhile, Okigwe is quietly building alliances across the state, though their political elites are at each other’s throat.
**Mr. B:** The stakeholders in Owerri, group this, group that, even those operating from London who are all advocating for Owerri zone’s governorship, need to come together and forge a united front if they want to succeed.
**Mr. A:** That’s nearly impossible. Owerri zone politics is too elitist. Such people hardly agree on anything. Everyone is a king unto itself in the zone. The political plurality of the zone almost makes it impossible.
**Mr. B:** Things can change this time. They might decide to work together eventually. They seem serious about this guber project this time.
**Mr. A:** You’re daydreaming. Most of these groups masquerading as Owerri zone gubernatorial agitators have personal interests. That’s why the governor said the Charter of Equity is not for individuals but for zones.
**Mr. B:** I think they need a change in strategy. They should be more inclusive and involve more Owerri sons and daughters in the project. They have the human and material resources to achieve this task, if only they will broaden their horizon. However, it seems only a circle of leaders are championing this cause, shutting out others. I was told that the highest political office holder in the zone abandoned one of the groups because he was told that the group is set up to drum the aspiration of someone
**Mr. A:** Instead, they seem to be ambushing the governor over this project. And I don’t think some forces outside Owerri zone are comfortable with the way they are going about it. Someone said at every election cycle, all the three zones vie for governorship, thus 2027, would not be an exception, Charter of Equity, or not.
**Mr. B:** “Ambushing” the governor ? I don’t think so. How?
**Mr. A:** Did you notice His Excellency’s body language the day he met with the Owerri zone stakeholders?
**Mr. B:** I wasn’t there, so I can’t say. What body language?
**Mr. A:** I think he doesn’t want Owerri zone leaders to pressure him into deciding on his successor yet, or he does not want to openly commit himself to it. He doesn’t want to be coerced.
**Mr. B:** He did say they shouldn’t overheat the polity since he still has three years left in office.
**Mr. A:** I agree with him on that. Patience and strategy are key, not putting the horse before the cart.
Mr B. He holds the ace. In the lomg run, he will choose whom he wants to take over from him. You think he will allow all these groups to choose for him or decide who takes over from him, with what we are seeing in Rivers State, do you think he can afford to make such mistake.
Mr A: The fear of Fubara Vs Wike fight is the beginning of wisdom. Onwa is a very experienced and tactical politician