From Chris Ndu, Owerri
Ahead of 2027 Imo Governorship election, a political leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Joshua Chibuzo Andrew has advised aspirants not to overheat the system for personal interest.
Chibuzom who spoke on Tuesday while addressing journalists cautioned Imo governorship aspirants to avoid associating with irrelevant political groups.
Joshua Chibuzom, who is the immediate past chairman of National Association of Mbaitoli Journalists argued that Charter of Equity, Harmony Project nor Ozopolf does not speak for the entire Imo people, According to him, the groups were established by few individuals to accomplish political interest and distract Governor Hope Uzodimma and to decieve Imo people.
He alleged that the aforementioned political affiliated groups are playing the politics of 2027 in 2025 thereby causing more harm than good to the political system in the State.
He alleged that Ozopolf, Imo Harmony Project are targeted to highjacking the duties of political parties and privilege of the Governor of the State, adding that no political pressure group has right to decide places where parties will zone their Governorship tickets.
He said; this is time for governance and not politicking, Governor Hope Uzodimma should not be distracted, he should be allowed to fulfill all his campaign promises.
Chibuzom who is the Organizing Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Mbaitoli LGA cautioned leaders to stop using political affiliated pressure groups as a platform to negotiating political appointments for themselves, associates, families and Loyalists.
He further threatened to expose political groups in the State and their ordained governorship candidates bankrolling their
Meetings.
The Ogwa born Professional Journalist advised Owerri zone (Imo East) political leaders to negotiate their interest in a very civilized manner instead the brigandage approach, Adding that it is time to end politics of Witch-crafting, witch-hunting and backbiting.
In his words; “every bonafide citizen of Imo State is qualified to contest for Governorship if criteria are met. No body has right stop each other from contesting because of Charter of Equity, Ozopolf nor Imo Harmony Project.
“After Chief Achike Udenwa’s 8 years tenure as Governor from Orlu zone extraction, His successor Dr. Ikedi Ohakim (Ochinanwata) from Okigwe zone ruled for only four years before Owelle Rochas Okorocha from Orlu zone won in 2011 governorship election which disrupted the zoning arrangement.
“Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha from Owerri succeeded Okorocha was sacked from office in a landmark judgment of the Supreme Court which brought-in another Orlu man (incumbent) Governor to the Douglas House.
“There is no point crying over a spilt milk, Imo charter of Equity was violated in 2011 when Imo people unanimously voted for Rochas Okorocha against Chief Ikedi Ohakim.
“Charter of Equity was violated repeatedly in 2015 when the same Ozopolf supported the then Governor (Rochas Okorocha) second tenure against candidates from owerri zone extraction.
“Both Okigwe and Owerri zone have right to lay claim of Douglas House in 2027, enough of this distraction and attention seeking noise making ” Chibuzom said.
He advised Governor Uzodimma to learn from history, adding that some rich men who parade themselves as leaders around him can not win election in their respective wards without government support.
Chibuzom revealed that Governor uzodimma’s achievements would convince Imo people whether to, or not to support his preferred candidate in 2027.
