Owerri Zone’s push to secure the support of Okigwe Zone for the 2027 Imo State governorship election has yet to yield a firm commitment, following a consultation between political leaders and stakeholders from the two zones.
The meeting, organised by Owerri Zone United, was held at the Ehime Mbano residence of APC chieftain, Chief Tony Chukwu. It brought together political leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to deliberate on the implementation of the Imo State Charter of Equity, which advocates rotation of the governorship among the three senatorial zones.
Leading the Owerri delegation, Prince Charles Amadi appealed to Okigwe stakeholders to support the zone’s quest to produce Governor Hope Uzodimma’s successor in 2027.
Amadi said the appeal was rooted in the longstanding relationship between Owerri and Okigwe zones, as well as the principle of political reciprocity. He urged the Okigwe stakeholders to support what he described as a fair and equitable application of the Charter of Equity.
Other speakers, including former Minister of Aviation, Kema Chikwe, Deputy Governor Chinyere Ekomaru and Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, also canvassed support for Owerri Zone.
Amadi said Owerri had come not merely to seek political support but to reaffirm the importance of the Charter of Equity, which he said had received the backing of Governor Uzodimma and prominent elders in the state.
As a gesture of goodwill, the Owerri delegation presented six cows to the Okigwe stakeholders, representing the six local government areas that make up the zone.
However, Okigwe Zone stopped short of endorsing Owerri’s position for now. Chief Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said there was still sufficient time for stakeholders to consult, negotiate and harmonise their positions.
Chukwu also recalled that Governor Uzodimma had encouraged leaders from both zones to engage in discussions on the 2027 succession question.
The outcome means that Owerri Zone has not secured the early commitment it sought from Okigwe, leaving the implementation of the Charter of Equity and the wider 2027 succession question open for further consultations.
Both sides, however, agreed to keep the dialogue alive, setting the stage for more consultations as the political battle for the 2027 governorship gathers momentum.
