The politics of zoning and power rotation in Imo State has remained one of the most contentious issues in every electoral cycle. For Owerri Zone, the matter is even more sensitive because of the internal configuration of the three major blocs that make up the zone:
Mbaike bloc comprises Mbaitoli and Ikeduru LGAs, Oratta bloc is made up of Owerri Municipal, Owerri North, and Owerri West LGAs, while the Mbaise bloc consists of Ahiazu Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise, and Ngor Okpala LGAs.
Each bloc has clamoured for political relevance, but equity and history point to one clear direction.
Historically, Owerri Zone has produced two governors—Evan Enwerem from the Mbaike bloc and Emeka Ihedioha from the Mbaise bloc. Both men share an unfortunate similarity. Their tenures were cut short.
Enwerem’s administration lasted only 22 months before the military sacked democratic structures in 1993, while Ihedioha’s stay was truncated after just seven months by a Supreme Court judgment in January 2020.
The symbolism is clear: Owerri Zone has been politically shortchanged in terms of stability and longevity in governance in Imo.
Yet, despite these brief stints, the fact remains that Mbaike and Mbaise blocs have tasted the governorship.
However, Oratta bloc, on the other hand, has never produced a governor.
It has remained on the fringes of executive power, relying on occasional appointments to ministerial positions, and has scarcely produced a senator. These do not carry the same weight as being the chief executive of the state. This lopsidedness is why the conversation about 2027 must be anchored on equity, justice, and fairness.
The argument that Oratta bloc has enjoyed ministerial positions such as Dr. (Mrs.) Kema Chikwe’s appointment as Aviation Minister and Emmanuel Iheanacho’s brief stint as Minister of Interior does not hold water when compared with the tangible reality of executive governance. Ministers serve at the pleasure of the President, and their influence is limited to federal portfolios.
A governor, however, wields constitutional authority over the entire state. By this measure, Oratta bloc remains the most marginalized in the Owerri Zone political equation.
Mbaike bloc, despite producing Evan Enwerem as governor, has also held other plum offices. It has produced two deputy governors—Placid Njoku and the current deputy, Chinyere Ekomaru.
In addition, it has consistently produced senators such as the late Amah Iwuagwu and Samuel Anyanwu. To suggest that Mbaike should produce a governor for Imo if Owerri Zone gets the nod to do so in 2027 would be inequitable and politically insensitive.
The Mbaise bloc has also had its share. Beyond Emeka Ihedioha’s brief stint as governor (he was also Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives), it has produced a deputy governor in Dr. (Mrs.) Ada Okwuonu, and a senator in Chris Anyanwu.
The Oratta bloc’s political representation has been limited. Apart from producing a senator in Ezenwa Onyewuchi and ministers like Chikwe and Iheanacho, it has never produced either a deputy governor or a governor. This glaring imbalance raises fundamental questions about political justice in Owerri Zone.
If zoning is to retain its moral force, then it must be rotated to the bloc that has never had a chance. Otherwise, zoning itself, or the Charter of Equity, becomes meaningless rhetoric.
2027 offers Owerri Zone another shot at the governorship. If the zone is to approach the contest with a united front, it must settle its internal differences. Anything short of this would leave the zone fragmented and vulnerable to manipulations from other zones, particularly Orlu, which has consistently dominated the governorship seat since 1999. A fractured Owerri Zone is the greatest gift to Orlu politicians who thrive on such disunity.
Critics might argue that democracy is a game of numbers and that zoning limits meritocracy. However, in a state where zoning has been a political stabilizer, ignoring the principle in 2027 could inflame resentment and deepen distrust among the blocs in Owerri Zone.
Zoning, if properly applied, is not about undermining merit but about ensuring inclusivity. Oratta bloc has capable sons and daughters who can provide visionary leadership; what they have lacked is political opportunity.
The failure to cede power to Oratta bloc in 2027 could fracture Owerri Zone’s political bargaining power beyond repair. The bloc has been patient while others tasted power. Denying it once again would only strengthen the perception that Owerri Zone is incapable of internal justice. This perception, if allowed to fester, could weaken the zone’s credibility when it demands equity from Orlu and Okigwe zones.
This argumen is compelling and the facts undeniable: Oratta bloc deserves to produce the next governor of Imo State in 2027. Both Mbaike and Mbaise blocs have had their turns, however short-lived.
Justice demands that the only bloc left out of the governorship equation be given its due. Anything less would not only be politically unjust but would also imperil the unity of Owerri Zone and its ability to challenge the dominance of other zones. Governor Hope Uzodimma should therefore look in the direction of the Oratta bloc and choose a worthy successor.
