The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) has called on political leaders in Owerri zone to intensify efforts toward producing the next governor of Imo State in 207 without relying solely on Governor Hope Uzodimma’s influence.
The group warned that all three senatorial zones—Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu—are set to field aspirants across multiple political parties, making the contest highly competitive.
In a statement signed by its President,Emmanuel Okwu, OZAC urged Owerri zone stakeholders to engage more strategically in the build-up to the 2027 governorship election.
“While we believe Governor Uzodimma understands the need for fairness, politics is unpredictable. The zone must not assume that he will singlehandedly deliver an Owerri zone governor,” the statement read.
The warning comes amid renewed debates over the Imo Charter of Equity, a political arrangement meant to ensure rotational governance among the three zones.
However, recent remarks by Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, declaring that “the Charter is no law,” have raised doubts over whether the agreement will be respected in 2027.
OZAC stressed that Owerri zone must not depend on the moral argument of the Charter alone but must actively work to secure broad political support.
“The best approach in this unfolding reality is to ensure that aspirants from Owerri zone are not just competent but also widely accepted across all zones.
“There is no 100 percent guarantee that 2027 will be for Owerri zone alone,” the group cautioned.
Despite its concerns, OZAC reaffirmed its commitment to the Charter of Equity, vowing to continue advocating for fairness.
“We will not relent in persuading Okigwe and Orlu zones to support Owerri zone in 2027. However, we must also recognize that politics is not built on trust alone—Owerri zone must be prepared for a contest,” the group added.
The coalition further revealed that intelligence gathered from Okigwe and Orlu zones indicated that some politicians from those zones are already mobilizing for the governorship race.
“We must be realistic. Other zones have the legal right to contest, and many aspirants are preparing to do so,” OZAC stated.
OZAC called on Owerri zone politicians to build stronger alliances and engage in meaningful negotiations.
“The only way forward is to present aspirants who are not just from Owerri zone but are also capable of winning votes across all zones. We need aspirants who can unite the state,” the group advised.
OZAC also urged political actors in the zone to recognize the evolving nature of the race and adopt a proactive approach.
“The 2027 Guber election will not be won by sentiments alone. Owerri zone must work hard, build trust, and field aspirants with the political strength to secure broad-based support,” the statement emphasized.
