PRESS STATEMENT
The Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) has taken note of the recent statement credited to the Orlu Zone Development Forum (OZDF), in which they attempted to silence legitimate conversations about the 2027/28 governorship in Imo State. OZAC views such utterances as arrogant, undemocratic, and a desperate effort to extend Orlu’s suffocating dominance over Imo politics.
We state without fear of contradiction that Orlu has monopolized the governorship for over two decades, producing three governors who have collectively held sway for 20 of the past 26 years. This lopsidedness is unjust, unacceptable, and cannot continue. Owerri and Okigwe zones will not prostrate before Orlu to exercise their democratic rights.
Contrary to OZDF’s claim, discussions about 2027 are not distractions to Governor Hope Uzodimma. Governance and succession debates are not mutually exclusive; they coexist in every functional democracy. The attempt to criminalize conversations about equity, zoning, and succession is nothing but political intimidation.
OZDF’s labeling of agitators as “phony conductors” and “hate campaigners” is both insulting and hypocritical. Imo people have the right to question, to demand fairness, and to chart their political future. To threaten “drastic steps” against those raising their voices is reckless. Democracy is built on dialogue, not intimidation.
It is clear that Orlu leaders fear losing the privileged position they have enjoyed for too long. But Imo is not a one-zone state. Justice and balance demand that the governorship rotate to zones that have long been marginalized, particularly Owerri which has never had the opportunity, and Okigwe which only served briefly.
No one is campaigning against Governor Uzodimma as an “illustrious son of Orlu.” The point is simple — when his tenure ends in 2027, power must shift. This is neither hate speech nor sabotage; it is common sense rooted in justice and fairness.
OZDF’s so-called “vote of confidence” in Governor Uzodimma changes nothing. Legitimacy comes from the people of Imo State, not from a parochial group intent on perpetuating domination. Any further attempt to bully other zones into silence will only expose Orlu’s desperation.
OZAC therefore calls on all leaders, stakeholders, and citizens of Owerri and Okigwe zones to unite and resist any scheme that seeks to reduce them to political tenants in their own state. Power is not begged for; it is negotiated, demanded, and taken through legitimate democratic means.
We warn that silence in the face of Orlu’s intimidation would amount to complicity. Imo belongs to all three zones, not to Orlu alone. The governorship of Imo is not Orlu’s birthright; it is the collective mandate of Ndi Imo.
OZAC reaffirms: come 2027, Owerri and Okigwe will present their best candidates and will not bow to the arrogance of any zone. The future of Imo must be built on fairness, inclusion, and justice — not on domination or threats.
Signed: Emmanuel Okwu (President)
Emeka Okoroafor (Secretary- General)
For:
Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC)
