Imo: Orlu Zone To Honor Charter Of Equity, Will Support Okigwe Zone In 2027 If Owerri Zone Refrains from Contesting

– Says OluImo

In a strong statement that reverberated across Imo State’s political landscape, Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis, popularly known as OluImo, has clarified that Orlu Zone will honor the Charter of Equity in the 2027 governorship election, provided the people of Owerri Zone do not contest against Okigwe Zone in the upcoming race.

The renowned activist and leader cautioned that the early political maneuvers by Owerri Zone, just three years into the incumbent Governor’s tenure, not only threaten the stability of the state’s political environment but also represent an infraction against the Constitution and a move that could derail the state’s developmental goals.

Speaking to journalists in Owerri, OluImo made it clear that Owerri Zone, though eager to contest for the Governorship position in 2027, must first pass a “litmus test” by allowing Okigwe Zone to complete its turn.

According to OluImo, this test involves Owerri Zone refraining from fielding candidates against Okigwe in 2027, in deference to the agreements set out in the Charter of Equity.

The Charter of Equity in Imo State is a political arrangement that seeks to rotate the governorship position among the three major zones of the state: Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri. OluImo emphasized that the implementation of this arrangement has been delayed due to the truncation of Okigwe’s tenure in the past, an act he referred to as unjust.

As a result, he believes it is crucial for Owerri Zone to show political maturity by supporting Okigwe Zone in 2027, giving the zone an opportunity to complete its term.

“Owerri Zone has enjoyed a considerable 13 years of deputy governorship positions and benefited from numerous transformative projects throughout the state. Now is the time for us to allow Okigwe Zone to fulfill their rightful term, and the Charter of Equity must be respected,” said OluImo.

He further stressed that Orlu Zone, while fully capable of contesting the governorship, is choosing to support the Charter of Equity in the spirit of justice and fairness. “We are not doing this out of weakness or a lack of ambition. In fact, Orlu Zone has produced candidates in the past and contested vigorously. However, we are choosing to honor the principles of equity, justice, and good governance,” he said.

OluImo also warned that failure to respect the Charter of Equity could lead to undesirable consequences. He made it clear that if Owerri Zone fails to cooperate and allows Okigwe Zone to complete its term, Orlu Zone will have no choice but to ensure the continuation of the governorship position, asserting that “Orlu Zone people will have no other option but to retain the Governor until Christ comes.”

In his concluding remarks, OluImo called on all stakeholders, including political leaders and the general populace, to uphold the values of justice and equity in Imo State.

He urged Owerri Zone to act in the best interest of the state by refraining from contesting in 2027, thus ensuring that the Charter of Equity is honored and that the people of Okigwe Zone receive their rightful opportunity to serve.

With the political temperature in Imo State rising in anticipation of the 2027 election, OluImo’s stance signals a clear and firm commitment to upholding fairness in the state’s political processes.

As the race draws nearer, it remains to be seen how the other zones will respond and whether this call for unity and equity will be embraced.