By Ochiagha Nnanna Okere
The 2027/28 governorship election in Imo State may seem far away, but it is not far at all in politics. So as the 2027/28 election approaches, the discourse within the Owerri Zone, especially in Ngor Okpala, has intensified with Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) pledging to hand over power to the Owerri Zone in alignment with the Imo Charter of Equity.
The spotlight is on Ngor Okpala, a community historically marginalized by the state’s power-sharing arrangement. Despite being part of the political landscape since the creation of the state, Ngor Okpala has yet to produce any top executive or legislative leaders, and its underdevelopment reflects this prolonged exclusion.
Now, with the succession race subtly brewing within APC, Ngor Okpala finds itself in a unique position to advocate for an equitable share in leadership by backing an APC candidate for governor.
Since its establishment, the Owerri Zone—comprising areas like Owerri Municipal, Owerri North, Owerri West, Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Mbaitoli, Ikeduru, and Ngor Okpala—has rarely enjoyed its fair share of power in Imo’s political hierarchy. Ngor Okpala, in particular, stands out as the only local government in Owerri Zone that has never held top positions, such as governor, deputy governor, senator, speaker, or even a majority leader in the state assembly.
This situation has stunted development in the area, leading residents to question their inclusion within the state’s power structure. In recent years, the people of Ngor Okpala have grown increasingly vocal about their exclusion, calling for fair representation and the chance to govern as a means of driving meaningful development.
The urgency of this demand is not lost on the political elites of Ngor Okpala, who recognize that executive positions bring the authority and resources needed to effect substantial change. Without this representation, the locality risks remaining underdeveloped and sidelined in policy priorities.
With the current political dynamics in Imo, it is clear that any realistic pathway to governorship for Ngor Okpala lies within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Many political pundits have aptly pointed out that holding executive roles through the ruling party would grant Ngor Okpala the influence it needs to break free from historical marginalization. Experience has shown that pursuing governorship under less dominant parties leads only to symbolic campaigns that do little to improve Ngor Okpala’s prospects.
Supporting an APC candidate not only offers a practical route to power but aligns with Governor Uzodimma’s stance. His assurances to the Owerri Zone suggest that the APC is well-positioned to address their long-standing concerns.
If Ngor Okpala aligns with APC’s agenda and supports a candidate from within the ruling party, it significantly increases its chances of finally ascending to a position that can
drive development. The APC holds a strategic advantage in Imo State, making it the most viable platform for realizing Ngor Okpala’s governorship aspirations. This party dominance translates into access to substantial resources and influence at the state level.
Furthermore, the APC has the backing of key stakeholders and allies, meaning that a candidate endorsed by Ngor Okpala within the APC could not only have a smoother path to victory but also a more formidable capacity to deliver on campaign promises once elected. Choosing the APC offers Ngor Okpala a means of harnessing the state’s existing political machinery. History demonstrates that candidates from minority parties face numerous hurdles in securing governorship.
By aligning with APC, Ngor Okpala has the chance to leverage the party’s organizational structure, resources, and existing alliances to enhance their candidate’s profile and likelihood of winning.
One of the reasons Ngor Okpala has been underdeveloped is the absence of political leverage that comes with executive roles.
Political leader and former gubernatorial aspirant Barrister George Eke recently highlighted that commissioners, lawmakers, and other appointees lack the autonomy and authority to independently direct development projects or address major infrastructural needs. By producing a governor, Ngor Okpala would gain access to executive power, which is crucial for attracting investment, launching infrastructure projects, and lobbying for federal support.
When a community has representation in high-ranking executive positions, it is better positioned to advocate for its needs and prioritize its interests within the broader framework of state policies. With a governor from Ngor Okpala, the locality could push for improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other critical areas that have long been neglected.
Given the complex political environment, it is essential for Ngor Okpala to put forward a unified front by rallying behind a single candidate from the APC. While there are numerous potential aspirants within the Owerri Zone, Ngor Okpala must act with urgency to identify and endorse a candidate who not only represents their interests but also has broad appeal within the party.
According to Barrister Eke,
visibility and strategy are crucial in politics, and Ngor Okpala cannot afford to remain a passive observer. It must “squeak” like the proverbial door, making enough noise to ensure its demands are heard and considered. Rallying behind one candidate would help Ngor Okpala consolidate its political influence and present a cohesive vision for the future. This strategy would also discourage internal divisions and prevent resources from being diluted among multiple aspirants, thereby strengthening their bargaining position within the APC.
The Imo Charter of Equity provides a unique opportunity for Owerri Zone, particularly Ngor Okpala, to correct years of power imbalance. With Governor Uzodimma’s recent commitment to honouring this charter, Owerri Zone stands on the brink of a historic opportunity to elect one of its own to the highest office in the state. But this will only be possible if Ngor Okpala demonstrates the political will to organize, unify, and align with the ruling party.
The stakes are higher than ever. If Ngor Okpala fails to secure the governorship in 2027/2028, it could take a very long time before a similar opportunity arises. The people of Ngor Okpala must act decisively, putting aside partisanship and working together within the APC framework to advance their collective interests.
Ngor Okpala stands at a crossroads, one where it can either continue the status quo or embark on a journey to political empowerment.
The locality is already on its way out of the “political Egypt” of marginalization. Aligning with APC not only ensures their voices are heard but also positions them to reach the “political Canaan” of representation and development. Ngor Okpala has tried alternative paths in the past, supporting candidates from minority parties only to see these aspirations thwarted. The time has come to choose the pragmatic approach, which means prioritizing the APC as the party most likely to usher in the change Ngor Okpala so desperately needs.
Supporting an APC candidate aligns Ngor Okpala with Imo’s broader political trajectory, offering an unprecedented chance to bring real transformation. By taking this bold step, Ngor Okpala can not only elevate its status within the state but also ensure a brighter future for its people—one defined by representation, infrastructure, and lasting progress.
———Ochiagha Nnanna Okere, an OZOPOLF Coordinator, hails from Umuowa, Ngor Okpala.
