Owerri Zone Mandate (OZM) has fired back at Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri over his recent claim that Okigwe Zone deserves the 2027 Imo governorship, describing his comments as “revisionist, provocative and a desperate ploy to rewrite history for political survival.”
Speaking to newsmen, the Publicity Secretary of OZM, Mazi Austin Iuwala, accused Obiaraeri of peddling “half-truths and twisted logic” in his bid to deny Owerri Zone its rightful shot at Douglas House after almost 24 years of political exclusion.
“It is sheer audacity for Prof. Obiaraeri to talk about equity, justice and good conscience while advocating that Owerri Zone be shut out yet again in 2027. Since 1999, Owerri Zone has waited patiently while Orlu held power for nearly 24 years and Okigwe for 4 years. If equity means anything, it’s Owerri’s turn, not Okigwe’s,” OZM fired.
Iwuala dismissed claims that Owerri Zone political leaders “hounded” former Governor Ikedi Ohakim out of office in 2011.
“Ohakim lost re-election due to his own political battles and unforced errors. The reruns in Ngor Okpala, Mbaitoli, and Orji were INEC-ordered – not some grand Owerri Zone conspiracy as the Professor insinuates,” Iuwala said.
He accused Obiaraeri of “playing the victim card” while conveniently ignoring Okigwe Zone’s privileged access to power and appointments.
“They produced Ikedi Ohakim as governor, Benjamin Uwajumogu as Speaker, and had Emeka Nwajiuba as Minister. What more do they want? Eternal rotation between Orlu and Okigwe?” he asked.
On Obiaraeri’s claim that Owerri Zone controls 80% of state projects and federal infrastructure, OZM spokesman fired back:saying “Owerri is the state capital. Government projects in the capital serve every Imo citizen, including Okigwe indigenes. Or should we relocate Imo State University and Federal Medical Centre to Onuimo to make them happy?”
The group spokesman accused Okigwe Zone leaders of attempting to blackmail Owerri Zone into giving up its 2027 bid by invoking fears of Orlu’s political dominance.
“This is cowardice wrapped in deceit. Power in a democracy is not given; it is taken. Owerri Zone will not be intimidated or cajoled into submission,” he warned.
According to OZM spokesman, zoning in Imo was never about sentimental appeasement but about ensuring every zone has a fair shot at governorship .
“Okigwe had their turn and lost it after four years. Owerri Zone, which has never tested power since 1999, aside Ihedioha’s misery seven months, is next. That is the unvarnished truth,” it declared.
He advised Okigwe leaders to “stop crying over spilled milk” and instead throw their weight behind Owerri Zone for the sake of political stability and equity.
“Any other option is a direct invitation to political anarchy in 2027,” Iwuala said.
He also cautioned against what it described as “rough mentality politics” being pushed by Obiaraeri and his ilk.
“Their reckless utterances risk dividing Imo further. Let it be known: Owerri Zone will not negotiate away its right to produce the next governor after Senator Hope Uzodimma. This is our time, and we will defend it with every democratic tool available,” he read.
“Any plot to truncate zoning and deny Owerri Zone its turn will collapse like a pack of cards. This is not a plea; it’s a statement of intent.” he concluded.
