OKIGWE ZONE LEADERS UNITE AHEAD OF IMO GOVERNORSHIP 2027, COLLAPSE STRUCTURES, PASS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON UZODIMMA
Leaders of Okigwe Zone, cutting across party lines and political tendencies, have resolved to set aside long-standing differences and forge a united front toward securing the Imo State governorship for the Zone after the completion of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s tenure.
The resolution followed a high-level consultative meeting at which the leaders agreed to collapse all existing political structures within the Zone into a single, cohesive platform. The aim, they said, is to reposition Okigwe Zone politically and address decades of perceived neglect, underdevelopment, and marginalisation.
Visit to Government House, Vote of Confidence on Uzodimma
As part of the renewed engagement, the leaders paid a courtesy visit to the Imo State Government House on Friday, January 9, 2026, where they commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for what they described as his giant developmental strides across the state, including projects in Okigwe Zone. At the meeting, they unanimously passed a vote of confidence on his administration.
While expressing appreciation, the delegation also drew attention to long-standing structural imbalances in project distribution.
They observed that over 80 percent of capital projects executed under the administrations of former Governors Ikedi Ohakim and Rochas Okorocha, as well as the current Uzodimma administration, were concentrated in Owerri Zone, where the state capital is located.
According to the leaders, this historical concentration has given Owerri Zone a significant infrastructural advantage, leaving Okigwe Zone grappling with poor infrastructure, inadequate social amenities, unemployment, and rising criminal activities.
Ohakim Speaks: A Voice of History and Balance
Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, who served Imo State from 2007 to 2011, delivered an emotional and reflective vote of thanks to Governor Uzodimma.
Speaking with the authority of experience, Ohakim highlighted the persistent developmental challenges confronting Okigwe Zone and underscored the need for deliberate corrective policies to address years of imbalance.
Ohakim acknowledged Governor Uzodimma’s efforts while stressing that genuine equity, fairness, and inclusive development remain critical to the stability and progress of Imo State. His remarks resonated strongly with the delegation, many of whom described him as a unifying figure and conscience of Okigwe Zone politics.
Ndubueze Lists Appointments, Commends Inclusivity
Earlier, Distinguished Senator Patrick Ndubueze, FNSE, who introduced members of the high-powered delegation, expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for key political appointments allocated to Okigwe Zone. These include:
Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe – Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly
Chief Cosmas Iwu – Secretary to the State Government (SSG)
Barr. Lady Chioma Ohakim – recently appointed Ambassador
Rt. Hon. Prince Barr. Anthony Emeka Nduka – Director-General, Imo–Anambra River Basin Authority
Prof. Ozichukwu – former President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
Members of the House of Representatives and the Senator himself, among others
Engagement with Traditional, Religious and Academic Leaders
Senator Ndubueze later addressed a broader gathering of Okigwe Zonal leaders, including:
His Eminence, Most Rev. S. U. Uche (former Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria)
HRM Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe (Eze Gburugburu of Igboland)
HRM Eze Iheanacho C. Ndukwe (Chairman, Okigwe Zone Council of Traditional Rulers and Deputy Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Community Policing)
Prof. Christopher Eze – Ag. Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo
Dr Chizoma Osuagwu – Ag. Dean, Faculty of Agriculture
Okigwe Demands Governorship
At a subsequent zonal meeting held on January 12, 2026, at the residence of Chief Tony Chukwu, leaders resolved that beyond appreciating the governor, Okigwe Zone must formally insist that the next Governor of Imo State emerge from the Zone. The position was formally read by Prof. (Nze) Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu.
In his address, Senator Ndubueze urged the people of Okigwe Zone to embrace unity, peace, and collective responsibility, noting that internal cohesion remains the foundation for achieving their political aspiration.
Tony Chukwu: Unity Above Ambition
Chief Tony Chukwu, apex leader and APC chieftain in Okigwe Zone, made a passionate appeal for unity, lamenting years of internal divisions that had stalled the Zone’s progress. He disclosed that his consistent advocacy for an Okigwe governorship often put him at odds with interests from other zones, particularly Owerri Zone.
He announced that he had set aside personal ambitions and would support any credible and qualified governorship candidate from Okigwe Zone, provided such a candidate enjoys the backing of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Committee on Okigwe Development
One of the key outcomes of the January 9, 2026 engagement with the governor was the decision to establish a committee to assess the developmental challenges facing Okigwe Zone. The committee, now formally constituted and awaiting inauguration by the governor, is expected to propose practical solutions and recommend quick-impact interventions in infrastructure, job creation, social amenities, and security.
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