The Owerri Zone Political Leaders Forum (OZOPOLF) has reacted strongly to reports of defection by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to The Mazi Movement, a political group led by Chief Chima Matthew Amadi.
In a press statement issued by its President General, Prince Charles Amadi, OZOPOLF criticized the move, describing it as politically reckless and counterproductive to the collective aspiration of Owerri Zone to produce the next governor of Imo State in 2027.
OZOPOLF emphasized that the ambition for an Owerri Zone governor in 2027 is not an individual initiative but a broader vision initiated and championed by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The statement highlighted the governor’s long-standing commitment to ensuring power rotation to Owerri Zone in the spirit of equity, fairness, and justice.
According to OZOPOLF, Governor Uzodimma has earned the support of prominent leaders from Orlu Zone, including President Generals and other respected stakeholders, who have urged aspirants from other zones to step aside for Owerri Zone.
The forum expressed disappointment that some politicians from Owerri Zone have chosen to defect and align themselves with a movement that seeks to undermine the governor’s efforts.
According to OZOPOLF, such actions could be seen as a betrayal of the goodwill extended to Owerri Zone by the governor and stakeholders from other zones.
“It is disingenuous and politically reckless for anyone, under any guise, to attempt to undermine the very man whose vision for a just and equitable Imo State they are now trying to exploit,” the statement read.
The group warned that attempts to alienate the governor and create division among the zones could weaken the collective push for an Owerri Zone governor in 2027.
OZOPOLF called on all political actors in Owerri Zone to consolidate the support received from Orlu and Okigwe Zones rather than creating enmity and division. It stressed that the success of an Owerri Zone governorship bid depends on broad-based consultation, unity, and strategic collaboration with other zones.
The forum further warned against what it described as political sabotage, reckless rhetoric, and attempts to attack Governor Uzodimma, arguing that such tactics could backfire and jeopardize Owerri Zone’s chances in 2027.
The statement reiterated that while every son and daughter of Owerri Zone has the right to contest for the governorship seat, aspirants should focus on presenting their vision and agenda to Ndi Imo rather than engaging in divisive politics.
OZOPOLF urged politicians from the zone to embrace strategic engagement, political maturity, and bridge-building with other stakeholders to achieve their goal.
In conclusion, OZOPOLF reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders across Imo State to ensure that the best candidate emerges from Owerri Zone, one who will build on Governor Uzodimma’s achievements and move Imo State forward.
The group called on all true stakeholders to remain steadfast, focused and committed to the larger goal of securing the governorship for Owerri Zone in 2027.
