Orlu Zone has signalled support for Owerri Zone’s bid to produce Imo governor in 2027, with Eze Imo, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, recalling that Owerri has backed Orlu’s political aspirations since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Since 1999, Orlu Zone has produced three governors of Imo State — Achike Udenwa, Rochas Okorocha and Hope Uzodimma. By 2027, when Uzodimma is expected to complete his second term, Orlu’s three governors would have collectively occupied the governorship for 24 years since the return to democratic rule. In contrast, Owerri Zone has produced only one governor in the same period — Emeka Ihedioha, whose administration lasted just seven months before the Supreme Court removed him from office in January 202
Eze Okeke spoke on Monday when leaders of Owerri Zone United, including Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Deputy Governor, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, APC Owerri zone senatorial candidate, Prince Alex Mbata, Prince Charles Amadi, former Aviation Minister, Dr (Mrs) Kema Chikwe, Chief Henry Njoku and other leaders paid a “thank you” visit to the traditional rulers of Orlu Zone in Owerri.
Eze Okeke, chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Community Policing and chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, said Orlu had enjoyed Owerri’s political support from the administration of former governor Achike Udenwa since 1999 through the tenure of Governor Hope Uzodimma till date.
He said the traditional rulers would support the Imo Charter of Equity as long as Governor Uzodimma remained committed to the arrangement, adding that the process of institutionalising the principle appeared to be nearing completion.
The visit was organised by Owerri Zone United to appreciate traditional and political institutions supporting the Charter of Equity, which advocates an orderly rotation of political power among Imo’s three senatorial zones. The initiative has assumed greater significance ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with Owerri Zone seeking to produce Uzodimma’s successor under the proposed rotation arrangement.
Senator Onyewuchi commended the Orlu monarchs for supporting the charter and urged them to help spread its message across the zone. Prince Amadi, who led the delegation, said Owerri would reciprocate the support by producing a governor who would govern Imo inclusively and treat the state as one political family.
Eze Okeke also stressed the importance of unity among political stakeholders and called for attention to shift to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The engagement followed a separate meeting by Owerri Zone United with the Imo State Elders Council on Sunday at the residence of its chairman, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, as consultations continue to build wider support for the Charter of Equity ahead of 2027.
