By Obinna Ndukwe
In a recent article, “Ohakim’s 2027 Gamble: Influence Over Merit,” Okechukwu Ajoku attempted to frame Dr. Ikedi Ohakim as a man scheming for a comeback through influence rather than substance. His piece was passionate, but passion is not the same as truth. Imo people deserve a record based on facts, not distortions.
Respect for Owerri Elders
Ajoku begins by warning against dragging Owerri elders into propaganda, suggesting Ohakim’s “camp” has done so. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Dr. Ohakim has consistently spoken of Owerri elders and leaders with respect. He regards them as custodians of heritage and allies in the search for a better Imo. Efforts to pit him against Owerri leaders are mischief, not fact.
Merit Over Influence
Ajoku alleges that Ohakim leans on Governor Hope Uzodimma’s goodwill rather than merit. But merit is clear for anyone who cares to look:
The Clean & Green Initiative that earned Imo the title of Nigeria’s cleanest state.
The IRROMA program that opened rural roads, created thousands of jobs, and left equipment in all 27 LGAs.
The anti-kidnapping law that made hostage-taking a capital offence in Imo.
A record of fiscal discipline that stood up to scrutiny long after he left office.
No serious analyst can call this “influence without merit.” If Ohakim respects Governor Uzodimma’s stabilizing role in Imo, that is statesmanship, not opportunism.
Popularity and Platforms
Ajoku challenges Ohakim to leave APC and test his popularity in another party. That argument trivializes politics. Parties are vehicles for ideas, not proofs of credibility. What matters is not the name of the platform but the content of the vision. By any standard, Ohakim’s ideas remain relevant and resonant across the state.
The Truth About the ₦18.5 Billion Bond
Much is made of the Oguta Wonder Lake bond. Ajoku repeats the tired claim that it was wasted under Ohakim. The record is clear:
The ₦18.5 billion was raised legitimately for Oguta Lake Resort and infrastructure.
The funds were handed intact to the succeeding administration in 2011.
It was that administration, not Ohakim, that changed the purpose of the bond and abandoned the project.
If Oguta Lake remains unrealized, the responsibility lies with those who diverted the bond’s purpose—not with the man who conceived a bold vision.
Local Government and Salaries
Ajoku paints a picture of chaos at the local government level and neglect of workers. The reality is more complex. Caretaker committees were not unique to Ohakim’s tenure; they were a nationwide feature at the time. On salaries and pensions, Ohakim stood for fiscal discipline. Any arrears that accumulated were systemic issues, not signs of looting or disregard.
Division or Unity?
Calling Ohakim divisive does not stand against the facts. During and after his tenure, he enjoyed strong friendships across Owerri, Orlu, and Okigwe. In Owerri, his Clean & Green remains a fond memory. In Orlu, his tourism and road projects are still remembered. In Okigwe, his empowerment of youths left a mark. His ability to maintain cross-zonal respect years after leaving office is proof of unity, not division.
The 2011 Election
Ajoku argues that because Ohakim lost in 2011, he has no moral standing to return. History proves otherwise. Leaders from Winston Churchill to Nelson Mandela to Muhammadu Buhari faced setbacks and returned. A lost election is not a life sentence; it is a lesson.
EFCC Allegations
The EFCC’s 2015 case is also revived. Nigerians understand that EFCC charges are often politically motivated. What matters is the outcome: Ohakim was cleared. No conviction, no looted funds. His record of transparency remains intact.
Equity and Justice
Finally, Ajoku insists 2027 must be Owerri’s turn. Equity matters, but it must begin where injustice began. The first breach of the Charter of Equity was in 2011, when Okigwe was denied a second term. That wound remains unhealed. To restore balance, Okigwe must be allowed to complete its tenure. This does not deny Owerri—it strengthens Owerri’s claim for 2031. Equity is meaningless if it skips the first injustice.
A Statesman, Not a Gambler
Ajoku calls Ohakim a gambler. The evidence shows otherwise. He governed with vision, left office without scandal, and still commands respect across the state. He is not gambling with Imo’s future; he is offering maturity, resilience, and reconciliation.
Imo does not need noise; it needs structure. It does not need theatrics; it needs wisdom. Dr. Ikedi Ohakim embodies those values. To dismiss him with distortions is not only unfair to him, it is unfair to Imo’s history.
And history, however delayed, always defends the truth.
