The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) has reminded Governor Hope Uzodimma that he assumed office through a Supreme Court judgment that ousted an Owerri Zone governor, stating that fairness demands he supports a credible successor from Owerri Zone in 2027.
Recall in 2020, the Supreme Court sacked Governor Emeka Ihedioha, from Owerri zone and replaced him with Senator Hope Uzodimma, from Orlu zone
“We insist that justice and fairness require that Owerri Zone be given the opportunity to finish what was interrupted. Anything short of this will deepen the existing political imbalance in Imo State,” OZAC said in a statement signed by its President, Emmanuel Okwu and made available to INNONEWS.
While acknowledging Uzodimma’s recent remarks about supporting someone who can sustain his achievements “irrespective of zone,” OZAC expressed confidence that the Governor will not foreclose handing over power to Owerri Zone.
Full Text Of Press Statement
The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) has noted with interest recent comments credited to His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, where he emphasized his concern for who sustains his achievements in office, “irrespective of the zone the person comes from.”
While we recognize the Governor’s right to express his thoughts on the future leadership of Imo State, we remain confident that he will, in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice, hand over power to Owerri Zone in 2027.
At no time did Governor Uzodimma foreclose the possibility of supporting a credible and capable successor from Owerri Zone. His statements, when properly situated, reaffirm his desire for continuity in governance rather than an outright dismissal of the Owerri Zone’s legitimate aspiration to produce the next governor of Imo State.
We acknowledge, as history has shown, that all three zones in Imo State have consistently fielded governorship aspirants and candidates.
However, equity demands that the pendulum of power swings to Owerri Zone in 2027. For over two decades, Owerri Zone has demonstrated patience and commitment to the unity of Imo State while other zones have held sway in Douglas House. Now is the time for other zones to reciprocate.
OZAC insists that Governor Uzodimma, having benefitted from a system that recognizes balance and justice, should support the emergence of a successor from Owerri Zone. As we have always maintained, Owerri Zone parades men and women of experience, capacity, and the necessary exposure to consolidate the gains of the present administration and govern Imo State effectively.
It is also worth recalling that Governor Uzodimma assumed office through a Supreme Court judgment that removed an Owerri Zone governor. Justice and fairness demand that Owerri Zone be given the opportunity to complete what it lost in that transition. Anything less would amount to deepening the existing political imbalance in the state.
We must, however, emphasize that Owerri Zone will not put its eggs in one basket. Our resolve to explore all options, including alliances beyond the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), remains firm. We are determined to actualize our vision for an Imo governor of Owerri Zone extraction, irrespective of political party.
As we stated in our earlier statement, OZAC remains committed to sustained interactions and constructive dialogues with critical stakeholders across Imo State. We believe this is the most effective path to achieving a broad-based consensus that reflects the will of the people.
This is not just about politics but about equity, justice, and inclusivity. Owerri Zone has the human resources, the pedigree, and the vision to lead Imo State into a new era of prosperity and unity.
This is our time, and we shall pursue it to its logical conclusion. The people of Owerri Zone are ready, the time is ripe, and history demands it. We call on Governor Hope Uzodimma and all well-meaning Imolites to stand on the side of fairness and support this just cause.
Signed: Emmanuel Okwu
President,
Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC)*
July 7, 2025
