In the political landscape of Imo State, a curious silence lingers among known allies of Governor Hope Uzodimma in Owerri Zone regarding the Imo Charter of Equity.
While groups such as the Imo Harmony Group, Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), and Owerri Zone Political Leaders Forum (OZOPOLF) and some commentators in the zone have openly supported the initiative, many of Uzodimma’s allies, who played significant or noticeable roles in his re-election in 2023, have refrained from making any public commitments.
This raises the question: why are they keeping mute on an issue that is expected to favour their zone in the 2027 governorship race?
The debate surrounding the Charter of Equity resurfaced when Governor Uzodimma, in a meeting with Owerri zone stakeholders at Government House, Owerri, reaffirmed his belief in the Charter.
The governor had previously dedicated the Charter to God before his re-election in 2023, emphasizing that it was designed to ensure a smooth rotation of the governorship among the three senatorial zones in Imo State.
Proponents argue that the Imo Charter of Equity is crucial in addressing the long-standing distrust between the zones, particularly as Owerri Zone has had the least representation in the state’s highest office. By this logic, Owerri should be the first beneficiary when the Charter takes effect in 2027.
However, the lack of enthusiasm among some of Uzodimma’s closest allies in the zone indicates a deeper undercurrent of political calculations.
Some political analysts who spoke to INNONEWS in Owerri, observed that many of Uzodimma’s allies within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owerri Zone harbour gubernatorial ambitions.
Reports indicate that over 20 politicians, mainly close friends of the governor from the zone are eyeing the governorship ticket of the APC in 2027.
This potential internal contest may explain their reluctance to publicly endorse the Charter, as aligning with it too early could limit their political maneuverability,.moreso when there are pockets of resistance from Okigwe and Orlu Zones
Their absence at Uzodimma’s recent meeting with Emmanuel Iheanacho-led Harmony Group and other stakeholders at Government House, Owerri, further underscores this hesitation.
The gathering, seen as a strategic forum to rally support for the Charter, was notably snubbed by several key allies of the Governor known to be harbouring governorship ambitions.
Their conspicuous absence raises suspicions that they are either uncertain about the governor’s true intentions or unwilling to commit before knowing where his support will ultimately fall.
Adding to the uncertainty, Governor Uzodimma has not yet shown signs of anointing a successor. With three years remaining in his tenure, he has cautioned those interested in taking over from him, especially from Owerri Zone, against overheating the polity.
This stance leaves many potential contenders in limbo, wary of making premature moves that could jeopardize their standing with the governor.
Another factor contributing to the silence is the conflicting messages from the state government.
Uzodimma’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, recently stated that the Charter of Equity is not a legally binding document. This ambiguity further complicates matters for aspiring aspirants, as it remains unclear whether the Charter will be enforced as a guiding principle, a doctrine of necessity or merely serve as a political talking point.
INNONEWS gathered that moreover, those from Owerri Zone who seek to succeed Uzodimma appear to be strategically biding their time. Many of them believe that openly declaring their interest at this stage could send the wrong signals that may lead to unwanted scrutiny.
Given that Uzodimma is expected to have significant influence over who emerges as his successor, most governorship hopefuls from Owerri zone prefer to maintain a low profile while waiting for clearer signals.
Some political observers contend that the governor himself may be playing a tactical game, keeping his allies guessing to maintain control over the political dynamics leading to the 2027 guber.
By not making an outright declaration in favour of any particular zone at a meeting with Owerri zone stakeholders’ , he ensures that the aspirants remain dependent on his goodwill, thereby consolidating his influence even as his tenure gradually winds down.
It is also possible that Uzodimma’s allies are waiting for the right moment to voice their stance.
Political endorsements in Nigeria are often timed for maximum effect, and speaking too early could lead to shifts in alliances that might not be favorable in the long run.
By staying silent now, they preserve their flexibility for when the political atmosphere becomes more defined.
Ultimately, the reluctance of Uzodimma’s allies in the APC in Owerri zone to take a definitive position on the Imo Charter of Equity suggests a mix of political caution, strategic positioning, and uncertainty about the governor’s next move.
As 2027 approaches, the political landscape in Owerri Zone is bound to evolve, and whether or not these allies eventually rally behind the Charter will depend on how the dynamics of power play out in the coming years.
For now, the silence remains deafening, but beneath it lies a cacophony of political ambitions waiting to be unleashed at the opportune moment.