Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) has dismissed claims that stakeholders from the zone are plotting to hasten Governor Hope Uzodimma’s exit from office through their peraistent calls for an Imo governor of Owerri zone extraction in 2027, describing such narratives as false and politically motivated.
In an exclusive interview with INNONEWS from London, OZAC President, Emmanuel Okwu, said the zone’s position on the 2027 governorship succession is grounded in fairness, justice, and respect for the principles of the Imo Charter of Equity, which is being actively championed by the Imo Council of Elders and fully supported by Governor Uzodimma.
“There is no going back on Owerri Zone governorship in 2027 because it is fair, just, and appropriate,” Okwu stated. He emphasized that discussions about the next political leadership are normal in a democratic system and do not indicate any rush to remove the sitting governor.
Okwu pointed out that if Governor Uzodimma were opposed to succession talks, he would not have hosted Owerri Zone stakeholders on multiple occasions. “The governor has engaged us more than twice, demonstrating his understanding that such discussions are part of democratic governance,” he said.
He further described Governor Uzodimma as a democrat who respects consultative processes and appreciates the role of early political discourse in shaping a healthy democracy. “The narrative that Owerri Zone is acting hastily is misleading,” Okwu added.
Okwu said the 2027 succession narrative is not premature, noting that political activities are already underway across the 36 states of the federation. He cited examples of major state governors who have decamped from their parties as evidence of early politicking, including Sim Fubara of Rivers State, who left PDP for APC; Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who joined Accord Party from PDP; and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who moved to APC from PDP. “This clearly shows that the political journey to 2027 has started nationwide, and Imo State is no exception,” he said.
Okwu reiterated OZAC’s full support for the governor, praising his performance and commitment to the development of Imo State. “Owerri Zone and OZAC are fully behind the programmes, policies, and initiatives of Governor Uzodimma,” he said.
He warned that those promoting the idea that the zone is rushing the governor out are undermining the Imo Charter of Equity, a framework designed to ensure fairness, balance, and inclusivity in the state’s political process.
According to Okwu, the zone’s engagement on succession planning is consultative and strategic, meant to uphold democratic norms rather than create tension. “We are not against anyone; we are promoting justice and equity in governance,” he said.
The OZAC president stressed that the zone’s agitation is consistent with democratic practice and reflects a commitment to continuity, stability, and fairness in political leadership. “Our goal is constructive, not confrontational,” he added.
He reaffirmed the zone’s commitment to Imo State’s progress and stability. “Owerri Zone stands firmly with Governor Uzodimma and will continue to support his leadership and the state’s development agenda. Any narrative to the contrary is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public,” he said.
