“War sets the seal of nobility on those who have the courage to face it.” – Benito Mussolini
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s recent remarks on his succession plans have thrown the Imo political landscape into turmoil, especially in Owerri Zone.
By declaring that he is only interested in a successor who can sustain his achievements, rather than someone aligned with the Imo Charter of Equity, he has effectively dismissed the idea of zoning and equity in choosing a successor.
This declaration leaves the door wide open for another governor, including from Orlu zone, which by 2027 would have dominated Imo’s governorship for 24 years.
The silence from Owerri zone leaders in response to Uzodimma’s remarks is troubling. It raises questions about whether they fear his political clout or have simply resigned themselves to political irrelevance.
However, the reality is clear: silence is not an option. Owerri zone must rise to the occasion and vehemently oppose any attempt to subvert the principles of equity and fairness that should guide the election of a new governor in 2027.
Owerri zone has historically made significant sacrifices to ensure political harmony thrives in Imo State. In 1999, it conceded power to Orlu zone, enabling Achike Udenwa to become governor. This selfless act compelled Humphrey Anumudu, an Owerri zone son, to step aside for Udenwa.
Again, in 2007, Martin Agbaso, the governorship candidate of APGA from Owerri zone, was cruising to victory before his election was abruptly canceled by Maurice Iwu, the then INEC chairman. Agbaso conceded for Ikedi Ohakim from Okigwe zone to emerge governor. These rare acts of sacrifice were aimed at fostering unity and stability in Imo State.
Contrary to some narratives, it is not true that Owerri zone sabotaged Ikedi Ohakim’s bid to return for a second term. The conspiracy against Ohakim’s second term bid was far beyond the zone. Several cumulative factors played a significant role in his loss of power. Owerri zone cannot and should not bear the burden of that false narrative.
Uzodimma’s recent position on his succession is not entirely unexpected, given his history of shifting narratives. In a widely circulated video from the past, the Governor when hosting members of the Imo State Council of Elders at Government House, Owerri endorsed the idea that Owerri zone should kick start Charter of Equity.
Today, his dismissal of the Charter is not just a betrayal of that earlier stance but a direct affront to the principle of rotating the governorship in Imo State.
Imo is the only state in the South East where zoning is not applied. This anomaly has perpetuated political imbalance in the state.
Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that Imo State belongs to the three senatorial zones—Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu—and no zone has a monopoly on power, thus Owerri zone must not prostrate before anyone to claim the governorship.
Currently, Owerri zone has remained steadfast in its support for Uzodimma. Many leaders from the zone, particularly those in the APC, have aligned themselves with his programmes and policies, often defending and promoting his administration.
This loyalty has now been met with what many perceive as betrayal. How can the Governor repay their trust by undermining their legitimate aspirations for 2027? His recent statement has made Owerri zone leaders, especially his allies in the APC appear politically foolish for supporting him in the first place.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot be the sole vehicle through which Owerri zone seeks to reclaim governorship. APC’s track record has left many Imolites disillusioned, raising doubts about whether an Owerri zone APC gubernatorial candidate would even enjoy widespread support to be elected governor.
Owerri leaders must explore other political platforms and strategies, build alliances across party lines in a bid to secure Imo governorship. At this moment, it cannot afford to put all its eggs in one basket.
The legacy of past Owerri zone leaders must serve as a rallying cry.. Icons from Owerri zone such as Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, P.C. Onuoha, I.D. Nwoga, Alex Obi, all of blessed memory championed justice and integrity in Imo’s politics. They would be appalled in their graves by the current passivity of their successors. Today’s Owerri leaders owe it to these for-bearers to resist any attempt to sideline Owerri zone in 2027.
Owerri zone must not parade a begging bowl to any political deity before it secures power. The zone must summon the courage to stand tall, reject any grand plot to exclude it from producing a governor. To do otherwise would be to betray the aspirations of its people.
Governor Uzodimma’s latest comments also betray a deeper political conspiracy. For months, if not years, it is clear that efforts have been ongoing to undermine Owerri zone’s claim to the governorship.
From the anti Imo Charter of Equity utterances from his allies- Declan Emelumba, Rex Anunobi, and even the sacked Attorney General, C.O.C Akaolisa, it was only a matter of time for Uzodimma himself to let the cat out of the bag.
These conspiracies must now be confronted head-on. Owerri zone must speak with one voice, reject the notion that power is the preserve of any single zone or individual in the State.
Leaders from Owerri zone especially those within the APC must abandon their sugar-coated diplomacy. They cannot afford to be timid in the face of Uzodimma’s rhetoric. These leaders must tell the Governor, in no uncertain terms, that his attempts to perpetuate a Governor, not from Owerri zone will not stand. They must refuse to be pawns in a game that seeks to sacrifice their people’s future.
Their silence now must give way to a resounding voice of defiance and determination. This is not a time for political complacency or inaction. It must organize, strategize, and mobilize its people to resist this affront to equity and justice. The language Owerri zone must speak now is one of unity, courage, and unyielding resolve.
The time for action is now. Owerri zone must reclaim its dignity and assert its rightful place in Imo State. Anything less would be a betrayal of its past, its present, and its future. This is not just about 2027; it is about securing the principles of fairness and inclusion for generations to come.
Ejimkonye cam be reached: [email protected]
