By Douglas Princemola
Former Imo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. COC Akaolisa, has challenged prospective governorship aspirants from Owerri and Okigwe Senatorial Zones to openly declare their ambitions ahead of the 2027 or 2028 governorship election, urging them to take proactive steps towards actualising their political aspirations.
Akaolisa said the time had come for aspirants from the two zones to demonstrate their readiness to contest for the state’s number one political office rather than wait for Governor Hope Uzodimma to encourage or direct them to enter the race.
He made the call on Friday while speaking to journalists shortly after a public lecture he principally organised at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, Imo State.
The former Attorney-General maintained that early declarations of interest would send a strong political message about the determination of Owerri and Okigwe zones to participate in the contest to succeed the incumbent governor at Douglas House.
According to him, aspirants who believe that it is the turn of their respective zones to produce the next governor should step forward, engage the electorate and begin to articulate their political ambitions.
Akaolisa stressed that the governorship contest should not be left to political speculation, adding that those interested in the position must demonstrate commitment by openly declaring their intentions and reaching out to the people.
“We are waiting for those who said it is their turn to occupy Douglas House in 2027 or 2028 to come out and contest. They should not wait for the Governor to bring them out. They should go out and meet the masses, declare their Guber intention,” Akaolisa stressed.
The former Attorney-General also invoked the principle of the Charter of Equity in making a case for greater political inclusion and participation by Owerri and Okigwe Senatorial Zones in the struggle for the governorship seat.
He argued that the two zones have a legitimate basis to present candidates for the state’s top political office, emphasising the importance of fairness, equity and inclusiveness in the distribution of political leadership.
Akaolisa’s position comes amid continuing political conversations over the zoning of the governorship seat and which senatorial zone should produce the next governor of Imo State.
Orlu Senatorial Zone has dominated the governorship landscape for close to 24 years, according to Akaolisa, a situation that has continued to feature in discussions surrounding power rotation and political representation in the state.
His remarks have therefore placed renewed emphasis on the need for prospective aspirants from Owerri and Okigwe zones to move beyond declarations of entitlement and demonstrate their readiness to seek the mandate of the electorate.
He further urged interested politicians to engage directly with the people, build political support and make their intentions known ahead of the forthcoming electoral contest.
Speaking on the public lecture, Akaolisa disclosed that the event attracted a large number of participants and provided a platform for discussions on important electoral issues affecting Nigeria, particularly Imo State.
He explained that the gathering examined concerns surrounding the 2027 elections and the broader question of how to strengthen the credibility of the electoral process.
The lecture brought electoral matters into focus, with participants reflecting on the responsibilities of relevant institutions and the need to address issues capable of undermining public confidence in elections.
Akaolisa said the discussions were significant in view of the importance of credible elections to democratic governance, political stability and public trust in the electoral system.
He expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the participants believed the commission would address the critical issues raised during the lecture and work towards improving the conduct of future elections.
According to him, the confidence expressed by participants underscored the importance of sustained engagement between electoral institutions and stakeholders in the democratic process.
The former Attorney-General further emphasised the need for continued attention to electoral reforms and the resolution of challenges that could affect the transparency and credibility of elections in Nigeria.
He noted that discussions on the 2027 elections should go beyond political ambitions to include the institutional measures required to ensure that voters can freely express their choices and have their votes properly reflected in election outcomes.
The public lecture, he said, offered participants an opportunity to examine these concerns and reflect on the way forward for Nigeria’s democracy.
As political activities gradually draw attention towards the next governorship contest in Imo State, Akaolisa’s message places the spotlight on prospective aspirants from Owerri and Okigwe zones, urging them to declare their intentions, engage the electorate and make their cases for leadership.
His call also reinforces the continuing debate over equity, zoning and political succession in Imo State, as stakeholders look towards the next phase of the state’s democratic process.
