Excerpts:
In this exclusive interview with INNONEWS, the President of Owerri Zone Mandate, Alfred Onyekuru, speaks on the growing political tension in Imo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
INNONEWS: Thank you for joining us, Mr. Onyekuru. Let’s begin straightaway. What is Owerri Zone Mandate’s position on the 2027 Imo governorship race, considering your relentless clamour for an Owerri Zone Governor?
ONYEKURU: Thank you for having me. Our position is direct and unambiguous — if Governor Hope Uzodimma fails to concede his 2027 governorship succession plan to Owerri Zone, we shall explore credible alternatives. We’ve supported him and applauded his efforts, but there is nothing concrete to prove that Owerri Zone stands a chance in the entire succession puzzle.
INNONEWS: Why did you say that and how do you know? The Governor has not said he will not hand over to someone from Owerri Zone? He just said he needs someone to sustain his achievements no matter the zone the person comes from.
ONYEKURU: I said so because we do not see sufficient green light to believe that Owerri Zone stands a chance in that succession plan.
INNONEWS: I still believe it is premature for you to say so…? (Cuts in)
ONYEKURU: Well, that is how we at OZM feel.
INNONEWS: I think you are sounding defeatist in your thought and projection two to three years before the next governorship election.
ONYEKURU: We are not, We can’t be defeatist in thought. Rather, we are very proactive,, constructive and meticulous in what we do. However, to be fair to His Excellency, we at Owerri Zone Mandate are impressed with the Governor, in terms of performance and achievements considering the challenges. Major roads have received commendable attention, and that’s something to applaud. But there’s still a lot to be done in the hinterlands. More pressing is the issue of security. The gory tales of killings here and there are not good for our image as a state. Security must improve.
INNONEWS: Is your agitation for Owerri Zone governor in 2027 not too early? Is your group among those that are distracting the Governor, three years to the next election?
ONYEKURU: I will say that our position is not too early. Besides, there is nothing wrong with beginning early agitation for a legitimate course. Other zones are in the fray; Okigwe Zone has been relentless. And we forget that it is Governor Uzodimma we look up to in considering Owerri. When we say the Governor should hand over to Owerri Zone, we also need to factor in his influence.
INNONEWS: You seem to be contradicting yourself. You just said Owerri Zone may not have a chance in the Governor’s succession plan, and now you are…
ONYEKURU: I’m not contradicting myself . I’m not, please. What I am saying is within the ruling party or in that camp, we are not certain someone from Owerri zone will make it. That is our fear and worry. We had hoped that the Charter of Equity, which was so publicized and talked about should start with Owerri Zone,
INNONEWS: And why do you think it will not start with Owerri Zone?
ONYEKURU: The signs are not clear. We rather see that all the zones will come forth with governorship aspirants, especially from Orlu Zone, It is also the constitutional right of anyone, as long as you are qualified to aspire for governorship no matter the zone. But we in OZM believe that there is a conspiracy to make sure Owerri zone does not produce the next governor of the State.
INNONEWS: Conspiracy by who and for whom?
ONYEKURU: You see, my friend, conspiracy is part of politics and we are not losing sleep about it. What is important to us is that we will explore every legitimate option or alternative to ensure an Owerri zone man becomes Governor of Imo State in 2027.
INNONEWS: Your group has been accused of sounding too alarmist. Isn’t this all a bit too early?
ONYEKURU: That’s what they said in 2011, 2015, and 2019 — and look where that got us. We are not alarmists; we are realists. Our brothers in the Owerri Leaders of Thought, Imo Harmony, Mezie Owerri prefer a conservative approach, and that’s okay. But at Owerri Zone Mandate, we deal in reality. The truth is, Owerri Zone has waited long enough. Since 1999, we have only had a governor for seven months within 26 years. And you say that is proper? And you expect us to keep quiet, fold our hands and watch how we become political slaves in a state we collectively own?
INNONEWS: You seem to suggest the Governor has a historic opportunity to compensate Owerri Zone
ONYEKURU: Absolutely. However, the word should not be compensation. It’s about upholding equity and justice. Governor Hope Uzodimma can break the jinx. No governor in Imo State has ever successfully produced a successor. But if he backs a competent Owerri Zone candidate — even if he decides to choose among his followers — he would be the first. The mood of the state is strongly in support of an Owerri Zone governor in 2027. It’s an open secret.
INNONEWS: Some say Owerri Zone already holds the state capital and shouldn’t demand the governorship as well. What’s your take?
ONYEKURU: That argument is hollow and insulting. Did Owerri Zone allocate the state capital to itself? That’s a decision made decades ago. This blackmail about “state capital in exchange for governorship” is baseless. Even a blind man can see that Owerri has been marginalized in terms of governorship. Are you saying as long as you are from the state capital, you are barred from vying for Governor or any elective position? For me, that sounds weird.
INNONEWS: Let’s talk strategy. How is Owerri Zone Mandate engaging with other political actors to achieve its purpose? How do you intend to realize this mission?
ONYEKURU: We’re not doing politics the traditional way. Our approach is unique. We’re not leaving this fight to politicians alone in our midst. This isn’t just about elections — it’s about justice, equity, and generational correction. It does not matter where we are. Some said we are faceless, but we are not. We have a very different approach to this issue.
INNONEWS: In March 2025, IHP visited the Governor to ask if he’ll support Owerri Zone in 2027. Some criticized that move. What’s your take?
ONYEKURU: I applauded that visit. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it. In fact, I commend Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho and the IHP for the courage. What shocked us was the Governor’s response — that governorship is not turn-by-turn. That response made us at Owerri Zone Mandate realize we have to intensify our advocacy.
INNONEWS: Are you suggesting a rethink within the current government?
ONYEKURU: How do you mean?
INNONEWS: We mean would Owerri Zone Mandate withdraw support for Governor Uzodimma’s camp if he does not nominate someone from Owerri Zone?
ONYEKURU: Exactly. If we are sidelined, we will seek alternatives. Politics is about interest, and we must protect ours.
INNONEWS: What are the alternatives. You mean you will look at the ADC Coalition and dump your support for the Govenror?
ONYEKURU: When the time comes, you will know. We will inform the media.
INNONEWS: Can you tell us more about OZM.
ONYEKURU: We represent a new breed of young, visionary politicians in Owerri Zone, committed to reshaping the political narrative and restoring integrity, purpose, and accountability to leadership. Our movement has grown into a formidable force, driven by a shared vision for progress, inclusivity, and service-oriented governance.
INNONEWS: What would you say to critics who argue that Owerri Zone didn’t give the Governor enough votes in 2023?
ONYEKURU: That’s mischief, pure and simple. Go and check the results. Every governor who won in Imo — whether from Orlu or Okigwe — got more than 50 percent votes from Owerri Zone. So this lie that we don’t support others is false. We’ve helped Orlu and Okigwe become governors. It’s time for reciprocity.
INNONEWS: Some say you’re too blunt in your messaging. Any regrets?
ONYEKURU: No regrets at all. The time for diplomacy and vague statements is over. If we speak in whispers, we will be ignored. We must speak boldly and clearly — and that’s exactly what we’re doing at Owerri Zone Mandate.
INNONEWS: What is your relationship like with political actors in other zones?
ONYEKURU: We’ve had useful conversations with key figures in Orlu and Okigwe. Some agree with us quietly. Others, of course, are still playing politics. Indecisive. But one thing is clear — we will keep talking to them. But the ground is shifting. Many are beginning to admit — it’s Owerri’s turn.
INNONEWS: Would you support a coalition across zones to demand fairness?
ONYEKURU: Absolutely. Justice for Owerri is justice for Imo State. If other zones can support our call, it would set a new standard for unity and fairness. Let the best from Owerri Zone emerge, and let’s all rally around him.
INNONEWS: Any names being considered by Owerri Zone Mandate?
ONYEKURU: We won’t disclose names yet. But I can tell you, we know those with capacity, reach, and acceptability.
INNONEWS: What’s your message to the Governor?
ONYEKURU: His Excellency knows Imo politics deeply. He’s a strategic thinker. He should not let this opportunity slip. History will remember him kindly if he does the right thing.
INNONEWS: And your final words to Owerri Zone?
ONYEKURU: Unity is key. We can’t afford to be divided again. We must speak with one voice. We owe it to ourselves and the generations to come. This is our time. And no one will hand it to us — we must claim it with dignity and strategy.
“Since 1999, we have only had a governor for seven months within 26 years”
