The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), one of the socio political groups advocating an Owerri zone governor of Imo extraction, has called on major political parties in Imo State, including the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Africa Democratic Congress, ADC, Labour Party, LP and others, to cede their 2027 governorship ticket to Owerri Zone
The group’s President, Emmanuel Okwu, made the demand in an exclusive interview with INNONEWS, stressing that zoning remains the most practical mechanism to douse political tension in Imo ahead of the 2027 guber polls.
“Zoning is not just a political strategy, it is a tool for stability. Political parties must recognize that they have a duty to play in ensuring the peace and political harmony of Imo State,” Okwu said.
According to him, zoning the governorship ticket is not only about equity but also about securing the political balance of the state, which has been undermined by years of lopsided power rotation which benefited Orlu zone more than Owerri and Okigwe zones.
He argued that political parties should emulate their national leadership, which frequently deploys zoning in allocating presidential tickets, party offices, and other leadership positions.
“If the national level can adopt zoning to reflect equity and fairness, there is no reason why political parties in Imo State cannot do the same. This is the path to sustainable political stability,” he said.
The OZAC President observed that zoning was a noble idea capable of de-escalating the bitter rivalries and avoidable crises that usually define governorship contests in the state.
“Every election cycle in Imo comes with avoidable crises and bitterness. But if zoning is entrenched among the political parties, unnecessary political tension will naturally reduce. It is a win-win for all stakeholders,” he noted.
Okwu also pointed out that aside from the noble path chosen by the Imo State Council of Elders, which produced the Charter of Equity, it is even more imperative for political parties to demonstrate commitment by zoning not just the governorship ticket but also other elective positions.
He maintained that the 2027 governorship ticket must go to Owerri Zone, noting that Orlu Zone has held power disproportionately, while Owerri Zone continues to face marginalization.
“Imo has three zones — Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri. For fairness, for justice, and for equity, the governorship should go to Owerri Zone. That is the only way Imo can achieve balance and inclusivity,” Okwu declared.
He warned that political parties risk fueling deeper divisions and undermining stability if they ignore the call for fairness.
“Fairness breeds peace. Parties must zone the 2027 governorship to Owerri Zone or risk plunging the state into deeper avoidable conflicts,” he said.
Okwu added that the future of Imo lies in the hands of political parties and their willingness to act responsibly.
“This is a duty they owe the people. The future of Imo depends on the decisions made now,” he stated.
