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Orluzurumee, the apex socio-political group in Orlu Zone, has fired back at Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC) over its statement on Orluzurumee’s position on the 2027 governorship succession in Imo State, rejecting in strong terms OZAC’s description of the organisation as a “kingmaker” and insisting on its right to independently determine its political position.
In a statement signed by Nnamdi Cos-Ukwuoma, Publicity Secretary, Orluzurumee Worldwide, the group said OZAC had “voraciously attacked” Orluzurumee without properly analysing the points raised in its earlier press statement. It said the “kingmaker” accusation deserved a response because “public discourse deserves accuracy, decency and a measure of intellectual honesty.”
Orluzurumee said it had neither positioned itself as a “kingmaker” nor claimed the authority to dictate who would become governor in 2027. “Our position is straightforward: Orluzurumee will not be rushed into prematurely endorsing any aspirant or zone,” it said, adding that it reserved the right to consult, assess the evolving political landscape and independently determine its position when the time was right.
It said there was nothing “arrogant, provocative, or undemocratic” about its position, arguing that if Owerri and Okigwe zones were entitled to consult, negotiate and define their political stances, Orlu deserved the same right. “Equality means that one zone cannot freely exercise political discretion while another is expected to surrender its own,” it said, adding that it did not presume to speak for Owerri or Okigwe and expected the same courtesy to be extended to Orlu.
Orluzurumee also addressed OZAC’s declaration that “Owerri and Okigwe Zones will not support any candidate from Orlu Zone,” saying OZAC was entitled to such a political stance but that it would be presumptuous to equate the position of one organisation with the political decision of every individual, community, institution and voter across the two zones. “Ultimately, political decisions are made by people, not by press statements,” it said.
Orluzurumee further maintained that the Charter of Equity should serve as “a tool for justice, fairness, consultation, and peaceful coexistence—not as a political weapon for one zone to silence another.” It said the principles of justice, fairness and equitable political power rotation in Imo State had been championed by people from Orlu, arguing that it was unfair to portray the Charter as a conflict against the zone or imply that Orlu opposed fair political succession.
The group said OZAC’s attempt to portray Orluzurumee as being against justice or the Imo Charter of Equity was “not only misleading but also ironically misplaced.” It pointed to Governor Hope Uzodimma as an example, noting that “the very individual who wisely put forth and has steadfastly advocated for the justice, fairness, and equity enshrined in the Charter, is himself a proud and deserving son of Orlu Zone.”
It further argued that several individuals who had consistently championed justice, fairness and equitable political power rotation in Imo State were from Orlu Zone. “A candid look at the political history surrounding the Charter will reveal that Orlu has consistently been among those leading the charge for its ideals,” the group said.
“Therefore, it’s fundamentally unfair for OZAC, or anyone else for that matter, to frame the Charter of Equity as a conflict against Orlu or to imply that Orlu opposes fair political succession,” Orluzurumee said. It added that the willingness of prominent individuals from Orlu to support a principle that could, at various points, require political compromises from their own zone demonstrated “political maturity and dedication to Imo State’s broader welfare.”
“Justice isn’t the exclusive domain of any single zone, nor should equity be reduced to a mere catchphrase used only when politically expedient,” the group said, insisting that the Charter of Equity should remain “a shared commitment to fairness across Orlu, Owerri, and Okigwe, rather than a tool for distortion or regional animosity.”
Orluzurumee said it remained committed to engaging with all zones, stakeholders and people of goodwill, stressing that it had “no adversaries” in the discussion. “We seek no political crown. We claim no political throne,” it said. “Let Owerri consult. Let Okigwe consult. Let Orlu consult. Let every stakeholder present their case. And, ultimately, let the people and the democratic process have their say.”
The group said it would continue to engage with dignity and act in the best interests of Orlu Zone and the peace, unity and progress of Imo State, stressing: “We seek partnership, not supremacy; dialogue, not confrontation; and equity, not domination.”
