As the 2027 governorship race in Imo State gradually looms on the political horizon, the conversation around zoning and equity has once again taken center stage.
At the heart of this growing discourse is the call for the implementation of the Imo Charter of Equity, a political framework that promotes rotation of the governorship among the three senatorial zones of the state—Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu. Owerri Zone, having been marginalised in recent cycles, is now mounting an intense campaign for its rightful turn at the seat of power.
The push for Owerri Zone to produce the next governor of Imo State is rooted not only in the principles of fairness but also in historical reality. Since the return to democracy in 1999, Orlu Zone has produced three governors (totaling nearly 20 years), Okigwe has produced one (for a truncated term), while Owerri Zone has had the shortest and most interrupted taste of the office, held briefly by Chief Evan Enwerem in 1992 and again by Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha for just seven months before a controversial judicial ruling ended his tenure. This lopsided distribution underscores the legitimacy of Owerri Zone’s demand.
At this crucial point, the campaign for equity should not be treated as a mere zonal clamor—it is a moral imperative and a democratic necessity. Owerri Zone must now go beyond rhetoric and organize effectively. While many well-meaning groups and stakeholders have lent their voices to this noble cause, one critical element is still missing: a compelling, unifying face to lead the agitation. A recognizable and respectable figure must emerge to champion the cause, articulate its message, and galvanize support across the state.
The absence of such a figure has, so far, allowed the agitation to float without direction, reducing it to a series of disjointed voices that lack cohesion. In politics, perception is everything, and movements without a visible leader often struggle to influence the broader political narrative. A strong figurehead would give the campaign legitimacy, provide strategic focus, and serve as a rallying point for both internal mobilization and external engagement.
Such a person must possess more than just political ambition—he or she must have a clean track record, the ability to unify diverse interests. He must also command respect beyond Owerri Zone to be taken seriously by the other zones and the political elite in the state. The ideal face would be someone who understands the intricacies of Imo’s political landscape and can navigate it with both tact and tenacity.
Moreover, the agitation must not fall into the trap of ethnic or partisan chauvinism. The face of the movement must present the cause as one of justice and inclusion, not exclusion. The messaging must be strategic: this is not an Owerri Zone versus others crusade, but a call for balance, respect for agreed principles, and democratic rotation that strengthens the unity of the state.
It is equally important that this movement embraces youth and grassroots mobilization. A single face cannot succeed without the backing of a coordinated structure such as professional groups. The face of the agitation must, therefore, inspire such participation and work actively to create an inclusive movement that resonates with both the elite and the everyday citizen.
With 2027 still a few years away, the time to build this leadership and momentum is now. Political goodwill does not materialize overnight—it must be cultivated. Owerri Zone cannot afford to wait until the last moment to present a consensus candidate or to consolidate its clamour. Doing so would only hand an advantage to better-prepared rivals from other zones.
In conclusion, the campaign for the implementation of the Imo Charter of Equity is a just one, and Owerri Zone has every right to demand its for Imo governorship in 2027. However, to succeed, the movement must find its face—someone who embodies its values, articulates its vision, and unites its people. The time to find and support that figure is now.
