Three years may seem distant in the political calendar, but in Imo State, the race for the 2027 governorship election has already begun to take shape. Politicians, groups, and stakeholders are aligning and realigning, maneuvering for strategic advantages ahead of what promises to be an intense battle for the state’s top seat.
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s recent meeting with Owerri zone stakeholders at Government House, Owerri, added significant momentum to the evolving political dynamics.
At the gathering, Uzodimma expressed his unflinching support for the Imo Charter of Equity, a rotational framework aimed at rotating power equitably among the state’s three senatorial zones—Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu.
His statement underscored a desire to reduce electoral tensions among political players in the state and foster inclusivity among the zones. The governor’s call for calm—emphasizing that his tenure still has three years to run—was an attempt to keep the polity stable.
However, the meeting has instead sparked a flurry of political activities. Groups and individuals have since intensified their engagements, signaling that the countdown to 2027 has truly begun.
The Imo Harmony Group, in a statement signed by Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, hailed the governor’s gesture, describing the meeting as a step toward unity and fairness. The group’s optimism reflects a broader sentiment within Owerri zone, which has long advocated for adherence to the Charter of Equity.
The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), in a statement signed by its President, Emmanuel Okwu, called for “strategic vigilance.” They insisted that stakeholders from the zone must remain proactive as the 2027 contest approaches.
“OZAC wishes to state unequivocally that no arrangement guarantees Owerri zone the governorship in 2027. We must remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that this aspiration becomes a reality,” part of the statement read.
Similarly, the Owerri Zone Political Leaders Forum (OZOPOLF) embarked on a sensitization tour. The group is mobilizing grassroots support to ensure the zone is adequately prepared to leverage its turn under the charter.
Despite these efforts, the Charter of Equity has become a subject of fierce debate among political players in the state. Proponents in Owerri zone argue that the framework is commendable, while skepticism persists.
Declan Emelumba, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, recently stated that the charter is not legally binding, raising concerns about its enforceability.
In Orlu zone, the political establishment has not been silent. The Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA) expressed reservations about the agitation emanating from Owerri zone. They question the political intent behind the clamor for the Charter and accuse some leaders of Owerri zone of exploiting it for personal gains.
“To say the least, all these fallacious write-ups with ill intentions to misinterpret the Charter of Equity are profoundly idiotic,” said Greg Obioha, Director, Media and Publicity, OPOCA in a statement.
Meanwhile, alliances are being forged to solidify zonal support. Groups like Owerri Zonal Political Mandate (OWOZEPEM) and the Isu National Council (INC), led by Vitalis Ajumbe and Batos Nwadike respectively, have pledged to work together. Their synergy is seen as an attempt to present a united front as the 2027 contest heats up.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their joint meeting in Owerri on March 22, 2025, they agreed that “there’s absolute need for equitable distribution of political offices in Imo State, both at the zonal, sub-zonal, and local government levels such that at all times every part of the state will have a sense of belonging in the government of the day.”
Amid these realignments, individual ambitions are becoming evident. In Owerri zone, whispers of potential aspirants have grown louder, both within and outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mazi Chima Amadi, owner of The Mazi Organization, is speculated to be eyeing the 2027 governorship race. Two members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the ruling APC had dumped the party and joined his camp.
In Okigwe zone, speculation surrounds the possible entry of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim into the race. His potential candidacy underscores the competitive nature of the forthcoming elections, as every zone seeks to maximize its chances. Some analysts argue that the Imo Charter of Equity is merely a “doctrine of necessity” rather than a binding law.
Orlu zone, which currently holds the governorship, is not left out of the unfolding drama. Some political actors from the zone are signaling their interest in the 2027 race, potentially complicating the dynamics of rotational equity.
Mr. Charlies Orie, a former Managing Director of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), is speculated to be interested. Last week, local newspaper reports claimed that he was urged to join the race by Imolites resident in Canada.
The unfolding political developments suggest that the 2027 governorship election will not only test the strength of the Charter of Equity but also the resolve of Imo’s political stakeholders to prioritize fairness over parochial interests.
As the alignments and posturing continue, one thing is clear: the road to 2027 will be paved with intense negotiations, strategic moves, and, undoubtedly, surprises. For Imo State, the next three years promise to be a masterclass in political chess.
