By Douglas Princemola
The political race ahead of the 2027 Imo State governorship election has taken a fresh turn as stakeholders from Owerri and Okigwe Zones held a high-level meeting over the proposed rotation of political power in the state.
The meeting, which brought together political leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, ended without a final commitment from Okigwe Zone to support the emergence of an Owerri Zone candidate in 2027.
The engagement was organised by Owerri Zone United as part of efforts to build support for the Imo State Charter of Equity, which promotes rotational power-sharing among the three senatorial zones of the state—Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu.
The Owerri delegation, led by the Coordinating Chairman of Owerri Zone United, Prince Charles Amadi (Chalvon), met the Okigwe stakeholders on Friday at the residence of APC chieftain Chief Tony Chukwu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area.
Amadi said the visit was aimed at strengthening political understanding between the two zones and seeking Okigwe’s support for Owerri Zone ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to him, the Charter of Equity is based on the principle that each of the three senatorial zones should have the opportunity to produce the governor at an appropriate time.
He appealed to the people of Okigwe Zone to support Owerri in 2027, pointing to the historical, cultural and family ties that have existed between the two zones for many years.
The Owerri delegation also referred to past political cooperation between the two zones, arguing that political relationships should be based on mutual support and reciprocity.
As part of the goodwill gesture, the delegation presented six cows, representing the six local government areas in Okigwe Zone, together with kolanuts, drinks and other traditional items.
Former Minister of the Federation, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, also appealed to Okigwe stakeholders to support Owerri Zone.
Chikwe described the Charter of Equity as an important arrangement for promoting fairness, political stability and peaceful succession in Imo State.
She commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for what she described as his efforts towards maintaining peace and unity in the state, while urging stakeholders to continue with dialogue.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers from Owerri Zone, HRH Eze Engr. Fred Nwachukwu of Ngor Okpala said Owerri was ready to return the political support it had received from Okigwe in previous years.
Similarly, Prince Marcon Nlemigbo recalled occasions when Owerri Zone supported Okigwe politically, including the circumstances surrounding the emergence of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim.
Nlemigbo appealed to Okigwe stakeholders to return the gesture by supporting Owerri Zone in the 2027 governorship contest.
The serving Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District, Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, called for a common understanding among the three senatorial zones.
Onyewuchi said decisions concerning the political future of Imo State should be guided by fairness, mutual interest and peaceful coexistence.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Iheoma Ekomaru, also supported the call for Owerri’s emergence in 2027.
Ekomaru observed a minute’s silence in honour of late former Governor Sam Mbakwe, late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and other departed Imo leaders before calling on stakeholders to preserve the spirit of unity and peaceful political transition.
She said the Charter of Equity had moved beyond political discussion and had assumed a legislative dimension in the state, making it an important part of the succession debate.
However, despite the appeals from the Owerri delegation, Okigwe Zone declined to make a final commitment.
Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, who spoke prominently for Okigwe, acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the two zones but said more time was needed for consultations.
Chukwu recalled Governor Uzodimma’s encouragement for stakeholders to engage in dialogue and harmonise their positions on the Charter of Equity.
He said the 2027 election was still some distance away and that Okigwe stakeholders needed to consult widely before taking a final position.
The position left the Owerri request open, with Okigwe neither rejecting nor accepting the proposal.
In a notable gesture, Okigwe leaders accepted the kolanuts, cows and other traditional items presented by the Owerri delegation.
They returned the monetary gift, explaining that they appreciated the traditional gestures but were not prepared to accept the money.
The development has added another dimension to the political discussions over who succeeds Governor Uzodimma in 2027.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Barrister Enyinnaya Onuegbu (Ebekuo) and Barrister Willie Amadi acknowledged that further consultations would be needed.
They expressed confidence that continued engagement between the two zones could eventually produce a positive outcome for Owerri Zone.
For now, the political conversation remains open, with both sides expected to return to the negotiating table.
The meeting has also shown the importance of reaching an agreement among Imo’s three senatorial zones as political parties and stakeholders prepare for the 2027 governorship election.
Owerri Zone is continuing its campaign for support through the Charter of Equity, while Okigwe Zone has made it clear that it wants more consultations before taking a final decision.
Further meetings and negotiations are therefore expected as stakeholders work towards finding an arrangement that will be acceptable to the people of the state.
