Imo 2027:We Must Act Like Nobody Will Hand Anything To Us-;OZAC Writes Explosive Open Letter To Owerri Zone Leaders, Stakeholders.

OWERRI ZONE AWARENESS COALITION

Dear Esteemed Leaders and Stakeholders of Owerri Zone,

1. This letter comes from a place of truth, reflection, and urgency. The 2027 governorship race in Imo State is fast approaching, and as proud sons and daughters of Owerri Zone, we must come to terms with the realities ahead. While it is legitimate and justifiable that Owerri Zone should produce the next governor after Senator Hope Uzodimma, we must not assume that this will come by mere wish or sentiment. Politics rewards strategy, preparation, and unity—not entitlement.
2. It is natural and expected that our people look up to Governor Uzodimma to support a successor from Owerri Zone. OZAC and many other groups have placed their faith in that expectation. However, the wisest approach is to act as though 2027 will be an open, unpredictable contest. We must organize, mobilize, and prepare as though no one will hand anything to us. Power is never given; it is taken by those who are ready for it.
3. History reminds us that since the creation of Imo State, every zone—Okigwe, Orlu, and Owerri—has contested for the governorship. No election has ever been a walkover, and none of the zones has ever relinquished ambition for another. It would therefore be naïve for us to assume that Orlu or Okigwe will sit back and allow Owerri to take over without contest. Every zone will enter the ring, and only the best prepared will win.
4. The proliferation of groups in Owerri Zone—OZOPOLF, Owerri Leaders of Thought, Mezie Owerri, Owerri Zone Mandate, OZM, Imo Harmony Project, among others—is a sign of political consciousness. But this consciousness must translate into coordinated action, not scattered efforts. Each group must recognize that the 2027 governorship is not automatically “for Owerri Zone.” It must be worked for, negotiated for, and fought for with unity and strategy.
5. We must not be carried away by emotional assurances or friendly political gestures. Governor Uzodimma may indeed have goodwill towards Owerri Zone, but politics has its dynamics and realities. Promises in politics only hold when there is strong political structure and mobilized interest to defend them. If we fail to act, others will outmaneuver us, and history will repeat itself.
6. There are those among us who believe that the governorship will “surely” come to Owerri Zone after Uzodimma. Such thinking, while comforting, is dangerous. Complacency is the silent killer of political ambition. The moment a people believe something is guaranteed, they begin to relax—and that is when others strike and take what was assumed to be certain.
7. Owerri Zone must learn from the lessons of national politics. When Bola Ahmed Tinubu aspired to succeed President Buhari, many thought his succession was assured. But when the chips were down, he faced resistance from powerful forces within his own political family. He had to fight, negotiate, and mobilize with every ounce of energy to claim what many thought was already his. That is the same approach Owerri Zone must adopt.
8. We must therefore rise with renewed energy and determination. Every political leader, elder, stakeholder, and youth in Owerri Zone must commit to this cause. It is not enough to hold meetings or issue press statements. We must build bridges across the three zones, expand our alliances, and prepare credible candidates who can win hearts, not just sentiments.
9. Unity must be our starting point. Internal divisions have always been our greatest undoing. If we go into the 2027 race with multiple fractured camps working at cross-purposes, then our ambition will collapse before it even takes off. We must close ranks, harmonize our voices, and rally behind a collective goal—Owerri Zone producing the next governor.
10. Beyond unity, we need visibility. Our political presence must be felt in all corners of Imo State. We must showcase capacity, competence, and leadership that convinces the rest of the state that an Owerri person can govern effectively and fairly. The governorship should not be seen as an “Owerri project” but as a project for the progress of the entire Imo State.
11. We must also engage Governor Uzodimma constructively and respectfully. He remains a key player and will certainly influence succession dynamics. However, our engagement should be strategic, not dependent. We must demonstrate seriousness, show capacity, and make it easier for him to justify backing a candidate from our zone. No leader supports a weak or divided bloc.
12. The political chessboard ahead requires wisdom. In chess, even when your opponent makes a move that favors you, you still think five steps ahead. Owerri Zone must therefore prepare for every scenario—whether we are supported or not. Our fallback plan should be strong enough to ensure we remain contenders, not spectators, in 2027.
13. Let us not forget that political power is not about wishful thinking but about negotiation, alliances, and timing. We must engage traditional rulers, youth groups, women leaders, religious leaders, and business stakeholders across the state to understand and align with our aspirations. Our message should be one of inclusion and competence, not just entitlement.
14. The time to start is now. Waiting until 2026 to begin preparations would be political suicide. Every serious political zone is already holding meetings, consulting widely, and positioning strategically. We must do the same—quietly, intelligently, and collectively. The road to 2027 begins today, not tomorrow.
15. Finally, Owerri Zone must believe in itself—not with complacency but with courage. Our time can come if we earn it. Governor Uzodimma may indeed tilt support toward us, but it will only matter if we are ready. The world belongs to those who prepare. Let us therefore rise, organize, and act—so that when 2027 comes, history will not say we waited for power; it will say we worked for it and claimed it.

Long live Owerri Zone. Long live Imo State.

Signatories:
Emmanuel Okwu, President General
Austin Echefu, General Secretary