By Ochiagha Nnanna Okere
The rising number of governorship aspirants from Orlu zone ahead of the 2027 Imo State election, as recently reported by INNONEWS – a major online tabloid – should serve as a serious wake-up call to leaders and political stakeholders in our geopolitical zone – Owerri zone. This development is not just a contest of personal ambitions; it is a strategic test of whether the long-advocated Charter of Equity in Imo State will finally move beyond rhetoric into political reality.
Orlu zone’s political dominance
Since 1999,Orlu zone has dominated the governorship of Imo State for nearly 24 years. In sharp contrast, Owerri zone has governed the state for only about seven months. This glaring imbalance is the foundation upon which Owerri zone has consistently anchored its agitation for equity, fairness, and inclusion. However, events unfolding ahead of 2027 suggest that unless Owerri zone urgently recalibrates its political strategy, Orlu zone may once again retain power —either directly or through strategic manoeuvring.
Despite having held power for the longest period, politicians from Orlu zone are not relenting. Aspirants are already consulting widely, organizing structures, and staking claims within the APC. This early positioning sends a clear message that political power is never surrendered voluntarily; it is secured through preparation, negotiation, and unity.
Owerri zone vs Okigwe zone’s unresolved tenure
Owerri zone, by contrast, appears hesitant. Particularly within the APC, there is a noticeable silence. Potential aspirants seem to be waiting for signals, endorsements, or body language from the incumbent governor.That is naivety at work.
Unfortunately, politics does not reward hesitation. The absence of a clear Owerri consensus is creating a vacuum — and Orlu zone is moving decisively to occupy that space.
What Owerri zone leaders must confront honestly is the unresolved issue of Okigwe zone’s unfinished tenure. The malicious removal of Chief Ikedi Ohakim in 2011 after only one term leaves Okigwe zone with an incomplete mandate. Equity, if it is to be meaningful, can not be selective or convenient.
Supporting Okigwe zone —whether through Chief Ikedi Ohakim or another broadly accepted Okigwe consensus candidate — to complete that interrupted tenure should not be viewed as a sacrifice by Owerri zone. Rather, it is a strategic investment in the future.
If Owerri zone aligns with Okigwe zone now, the political equation becomes clearer, morally defensible, and strategically sound. Orlu zone has completed more than its fair share. Okigwe zone should be supported to complete its remaining tenure. Afterwards,Owerri zone mounts the saddle as the undisputed next beneficiary.
This sequence establishes a logical, ethical, and politically compelling pathway for Owerri zone to produce the governor in the election that follows. It is a win-win situation for all the geopolitical zones.
What if Owerri zone defies sound reasoning?
However, if Owerri zone due to parochial proclivities insists on contesting the 2027 election without resolving the Okigwe zone question, the outcome may be predictable. Orlu zone, better organized and more experienced in power negotiations, will exploit the division between Owerri and Okigwe. The likely result would be another Orlu governor — and yet another cycle of lamentations over marginalisation.
Equity can not be achieved through isolated ambition, silence, or wishful thinking. It requires deliberate consensus-building, strategic sacrifice, and long-term political vision.
This is a defining moment for leaders of Owerri zone to rise above personal ambitions and short-term calculations. Supporting Okigwe zone to complete its tenure is not a defeat; it is a strategic repositioning that strengthens Owerri zone’s future claim to the governorship.
History is often kinder to those who choose wisdom over haste. If Owerri zone truly desires the governorship of Imo State, the clearest and shortest route is evident: stand firmly for equity in its entirety, support Okigwe zone now, or risk watching Orlu zone rule once again.
