Owerri zone deserves 2027 Imo governorship

As the 2027 governorship election draws closer, prominent Imo East Senatorial District (Owerri zone) sons and daughters have intensified their appeal to the other two districts to allow them to produce Governor Hope Uzodimma’s successor.

They also urged that the Charter of Equity document, drafted by the members of the Imo Elders Council and presented to the governor, be considered.

A statement issued by a social critic/stakeholder from Owerri zone, Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu Duruebube (a.k.a Uzii na Abosi), insisted that since the present democratic dispensation has witnessed Imo East produce their sons who governed the state for 24 years, the principle of natural justice should ensue for an Owerri zone man to govern in the next turn.

A statement issued by Duruebube on Monday, titled: “In Defense of Equity and Fairness: Owerri Zone Deserves Its Turn in 2027,” stressed that a recent remark by the state Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, that the document was not binding, should have been downplayed to encourage the electorate from other zones to support an Owerri candidate to emerge and succeed Uzodimma.

The statement said: “The recent remarks by the Hon. Commissioner for Information, Chief Declan Emelumba, concerning the Charter of Equity in Imo State, have generated reactions from citizens and political observers across the state. While Chief Emelumba rightly acknowledged that the Charter of Equity is not a legally binding document, it is regrettable that he chose to downplay its essence, a moral agreement anchored on equity, fairness, and justice among the three zones of Imo State.

“Let it be clearly stated: the Charter of Equity is a political gentleman’s agreement, forged in good faith to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri zones. It was not meant to be codified into law but to serve as a guiding principle for inclusive governance in Imo.

“Unfortunately, the political culture in Imo State has been marred by increasing political rascality, where mutual respect, zoning arrangements, and even basic decency are routinely ignored. I have consistently maintained that Imo is yet to attain the level of political maturity seen in other states—states where zoning is honored, power rotation is respected, and equity is not sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.

“The current political climate in Imo is such that anyone, qualified or not, feels entitled to contest—not necessarily to serve, but often driven by selfish motivations. This collapse of standards has continued to lower the bar for leadership, resulting in widespread voter apathy and disillusionment.”

He opined that the inability to apply the charter in 2023 should not be an excuse to jettison it, arguing, “To argue, as Chief Emelumba did, that the Charter of Equity should be discarded simply because it was not honored in 2023, is both simplistic and dangerous. The failure to uphold the Charter in 2023 should not be used as a justification for continued injustice. Instead, it should serve as a wake-up call for Ndi Imo to demand better, to insist on fairness, and to correct the imbalance.

“Since 1999, Orlu zone has produced three governors and led the state for over 20 years. Okigwe had one term. Owerri zone has had only 25 months at the helm, dating back to the short-lived Third Republic. This glaring disparity cannot be swept aside.

“2027 presents a defining moment for the people of Imo State. It is not merely about zoning; it is about restoring justice and political balance. It is about returning Imo to the path of reason, where leadership is not about domination, but inclusion.

“The decision ultimately rests with Ndi Imo. It is up to the people to determine the kind of leadership they can continue to tolerate—whether a continuation of the current imbalance, or a bold step towards justice and unity.

“Let us choose equity. Let us choose fairness. Let Owerri zone take its rightful turn in 2027,” the statement stressed.