As the political tempo in Imo State intensifies ahead of the 2027 governorship election, a potential showdown looms among the three geopolitical zones—Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu.
Analysts anticipate a competitive race, with each zone, especially Owerri and Okigwe positioning itself as the rightful claimant to the governorship seat in Douglas House, Owerri.
Owerri zone has been at the forefront of the agitation, invoking the Imo Charter of Equity, which advocates rotation of the governorship among the zones.
Politicians, especially from Owerri Zone aligned with Governor Hope Uzodimma, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC), have leveraged the charter to strengthen their claim and aspirations.
However, Governor Uzodimma has advised restraint, urging stakeholders in Owerri zone to stop distracting him and allow him focus on governance.
Enyinnaya Onuegbu, a cabinet member from Owerri zone recently addressed rumours about his gubernatorial ambition, a move analysts say is a clear signal that those who harbour ambitions to succeed Uzodimma within the APC fold and the Governor”s camp should tow softly.
In a statement, he said, “I hereby forswear any alleged governorship ambition. My sole focus remains on delivering my responsibilities as an appointee of Governor Uzodimma.”
His stance is perceived as aligning with the governor’s call for discipline within the ranks of his government and to further reinforce his position that he does not want to be distracted.
And to show his seriousness that he does not want any distractions, Uzodimma recently sacked one of his allies, C.O.C. Akaolisa as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General.
Akaolisa, a prominent member of Uzodimma’s administration, had made controversial statements regarding the 2027 succession race.
He openly declared that only loyalists from Uzodimma’s Camp Hope should succeed the governor.
Akaolisa had also argued that Martin Agbaso from. Owerri zone deserved justice for the alleged injustice he suffered in 2007 when Maurice Iwu, then INEC Chairman, annulled the governorship election Agbaso was poised to win.
Contrastingly, some members of the APC from Owerri zone appear less inclined to adhere to the charter.
One of them is Mazi Chima Amadi, a likely governorship hopeful seems focused on his governorship ambition.
Amadi’s approach to his guber bid does not pander to the zoning sentiments or Charter of Equity. He has anchored his aspiration on reaching out to the grassroots through the act of philanthropy.
Okigwe zone, too, has intensified its advocacy for the governorship, citing alleged marginalization.
Key figures and groups such as Eze Oliver Ohanweh led Okigwe Elders argue that their zone deserves the governorship.
“Our contributions to Imo State’s development cannot be overlooked. We are ready to lead,” he had said.
Meanwhile, Tony Chukwu, another influential leader in Okigwe zone controversially suggested that Owerri zone should relinquish the state capital in exchange for the governorship in 2027.
Orlu zone, despite holding the governorship for over two decades, is not entirely out of the race. The apex socio-political group, Orluzurumee, had expressed support for Uzodimma’s decision to focus on governance, calling on political actors in the State not to distract the Governor
Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe, its new president, emphasized security concerns, stating, “Politicians must prioritize the state’s stability over personal ambitions. We need collective action to tackle Imo’s challenges.”
The dynamics within Orlu zone remain intriguing, with whispers of aspirants like Charlie Orie, a former ISOPADEC Managing Director, entering the race.
Historically, Imo governorship elections have been highly competitive, often disregarding agreements on zoning.
In 2019 for instance, 73 candidates from the three geo political zones contested the governorship across various political parties , demonstrating the open and contentious nature of the state’s politics and its guber contest.
“Every election cycle, all zones field candidates regardless of perceived agreements,” noted veteran journalist, Mr. Chidi Nnadi.
He added, “The Imo governorship race has always been a free-for-all contest. Can the Charter of Equity truly in 2027 deter determined aspirants from all the three zones from contesting? The answer is no”
As 2027 approaches, Imo State faces a critical test of Whether the Charter of Equity will prevail or the state witnesses another open-ended contest remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that the stakes are higher than ever, with each zone prepared to stake its claim in what promises to be a fiercely contested poll.
