As the 2027 Imo governorship race heats up, political observers are questioning whether Owerri zone is adequately prepared to take over from Governor Hope Uzodimma, especially as Okigwe zone appears united and strategic in its push for the position.
While Owerri zone boasts of several advocacy groups championing its bid, covert alliances between some individuals in the zone who are key members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and powerful Okigwe political forces may undermine their efforts.
Owerri zone leans on the Imo Charter of Equity, which advocates for rotational governance among the three geo-political zones of Orlu, Owerri, and Okigwe.
These Owerri zone advocates especially in the ruling party argue that with Uzodimma from Orlu zone completing his tenure in 2027, Owerri should rightfully take the governorship.
Groups such as Owerri Zone Political Leaders Forum (OZOPOLF), Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), and Imo Harmony Project (IHP) are at the forefront of this campaign. They have persistently stressed that the Charter of Equity should guide the transition of power from Orlu to Owerri zone in 2027.
However, reports suggest troubling cracks in Owerri zone’s collective push. Allegedly, some individuals from the zone are secretly working with prominent Okigwe leaders in exchange for key political appointments should an Okigwe candidate emerge victorious as governor in 2027.
A stakeholder from Owerri zone, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed his frustration saying “While some of our people are advocating for Owerri zone, a tiny few in our midst are secretly sabotaging us.
On the other hand, Okigwe zone has emerged as a formidable contender. Supporters of their bid argue that former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, who served only one term before losing his reelection in 2011, deserves another chance.
To strengthen its case, Okigwe zone stakeholders recently convened a high-profile meeting at the residence of business mogul, Tony Chukwu, bringing together political elites, traditional rulers, and other major players.
This unity, analysts say, has amplified their demand, as they even challenge the essence of the Charter of Equity.
Instead, they point to Governor Uzodimma’s pre-2023 election statement that the zone which delivered the highest votes would determine his successor—a condition they believe they fulfilled.
A Political analyst, Mr.Kevin Uwakwe noted the stark contrast between the two zones: “Okigwe zone has shown unity and strategic alignment, while Owerri zone is battling internal contradictions. This lack of cohesion is a significant disadvantage.”
Notably, while some Owerri zone individuals allegedly secretly support Okigwe interests, no prominent Okigwe politician has openly endorsed Owerri’s bid.
Mike Nwachukwu, a prominent politician from Owerri zone had publicly criticized the Charter of Equity, declaring it “dead”
Charles Amadi, leader of OZOPOLF, recounted in an interview recently how internal divisions derailed Owerri zone’s guber chances in 2015.
He revealed that OZOPOLF initially supported Emeka Ihedioha but later shifted allegiance to Rochas Okorocha after feeling sidelined by Ihedioha’s campaign team, which focused solely on Mbaise interests.
Amadi stressed the importance of unity this time:
“OZOPOLF is fully committed to ensuring power shifts to Owerri zone in 2027. We trust Governor Uzodimma’s promise, but we must work cohesively to actualize it.” he said.
Emmanuel Okwu, President, Owerri Zone Awareness Coalition (OZAC), dismissed the actions of individuals allegedly working against Owerri Zone’s governorship bid in 2027 as inconsequential.
“We don’t know them, and we don’t care to know about the very few persons who may be working with those outside Owerri Zone to truncate the emergence of an Imo governor of Owerri Zone extraction in 2027. They are in the minority because almost all the major stakeholders in Owerri Zone are committed to ensuring our zone takes over from Uzodimma in 2027.
“OZAC will constitute a Hall of Shame for these elements, and that is where they will be consigned if they dare come out openly to work against our plans. An Imo governor of Owerri Zone extraction in 2027 is a done deal. The Governor has made it clear that he will hand over to Owerri Zone. Those who claim he said he would hand over to any zone that gave him the highest number of votes are out of touch with reality,” Okwu told INNONEWS from his London base.
However, another analyst, Ernest Ibekwe cautioned Owerri zone against over-reliance on Uzodimma’s promise and the Charter of Equity.
“Owerri zone needs a unified approach. The advocacy groups and political elites are working in silos. This lack of cohesion is their greatest challenge”
Ibekwe added, “Okigwe has a clear rallying figure in Tony Chukwu, who has unified their efforts. Owerri zone lacks such leadership and a father figure. The death of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has left a vacuum that no one has effectively filled in the zone”
As the race intensifies, the stakes are high. Can Owerri zone overcome its divisions and rally around a unified agenda? Or will Okigwe’s unity and strategic alliances prevail? Only time will tell.
