As Imo State inches closer to the 2027 guber elections, political maneuverings are intensifying, with some political stakeholders in Orlu Zone seriously strategizing to retain the governorship despite having produced the state governor for 24 years by the time Governor Hope Uzodimma completes his tenure.
According to impeccable sources, some political stakeholders in Orlu zone are not totally receptive to the notion that the zone should steer clear of the 2027 Imo guber race.
Those who hold this view contend that Governor Uzodimma has indirectly blown the governorship race open for all zones by his latest statement on his succession.
Last week, the Governor stated publicly that he is more interested in someone who will sustain his achievements no matter the zone the person comes from.
The Governor’s comments have been interpreted by political analysts as an indirect endorsement of an open race for all the three zones in 2027.
“What matters to me is not where the next governor comes from but who can sustain and expand the progress we have made. Anyone focused on zoning or Charter of Equity is not aligned with my vision.”” Uzodimma reportedly said, effectively encouraging contenders from all zones to throw their hats into the ring.
Before his statement, several groups from Orlu zone had called on politicians eying 2027 guber race that Uzodimma does not need to be distracted because he has three more years to govern Imo State.
“This is not the time for political scheming….. No zone should be accused of insensitivity when our collective energy is needed to address pressing issues,” said Ugochuwu Nzekwe in a statement shortly after his emergence as Orluzurumee President.
Meanwhile, prominent groups within Orlu zone such as the Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA), have openly opposed the Imo Charter of Equity.
In one of its numerous press statements, OPOCA countered moves by Owerri zone to stick to Imo Charter of Equity.
“Orlu Zone has held power for over 20 years, yes, but has Owerri not contested all the governorship elections since 1999? Did Orlu prevent them from winning? For example, did Owerri not contest the 2023 election in spite of the admonition of the council of elders? They even followed it to the Supreme Court. True or false?” stated part of OPOCA’s statement signed by its Hon Chief Greg Obioha, Director of Media and Publicity OPOCA
Within Uzodinmma’s camp, it was observed that some of his allies from Orlu zone may be averse to the Charter of Equity.
Declan Emelumba, Information, Public Orientation and Strategy Commissioner had described the charter as not binding by the law.
This newspaper further gathered that some top politicians from Orlu zone are interested in the governorship race in 2027 despite the mood of the state which favours an Imo governor of Owerri zone extraction.
A former minister and a senator from the zone are said to be warming up for the contest. Already, Charles Orie, a former Managing Director of Imo Imo State Oil Producing Development Commission, ISOPADEC, from Orlu zone has declared interest
However, Owerri Zone has reacted to the Governor’s recent comments, signifying its relentless determination to secure the governorship seat
The Imo Harmony Project (IHP), in a statement signed by its founder, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, commended Uzodimma for his recent State of the State address but urged him to resist distractions.
“The Governor must resist distractions from those who fail to see the value of peace and harmonious coexistence,” Iheanacho stated in a recent statement.
Similarly, the Owerri Leaders of Thought, led by Chief Charles Amadi, convened an emergency meeting in Owerri to address the implications of Uzodimma’s comments.
In a three-page communique, the group expressed unwavering support for the Governor’s achievements.
Another Owerri-based group, the Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), took a more pragmatic approach.
In a statement signed by its President, Emmanuel Okwu, the group called for a proactive strategy to secure the governorship for Owerri Zone.
“As a citizen of Imo State, Governor Uzodimma is entitled to his opinion. We respect his right to freely express his views on matters concerning the state, including the Charter of Equity.
“OZAC has consistently maintained that the actualization of Owerri Zone’s governorship ambition does not solely rest on the Governor or any individual. Power, as history has shown, is never given on a platter of gold but must be earned through strategic engagement, unity, and proactive action” part of OZC statement read.
