The political tussle ahead of the 2027 Imo State governorship election has taken a fresh turn after stakeholders from Owerri and Okigwe Zones failed to reach an agreement on the proposed rotation of political power in the state.
The development followed a high-level meeting between political leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders from the two zones, held on Friday at the residence of APC chieftain, Chief Tony Chukwu, in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area.
The meeting was convened by Owerri Zone United as part of efforts to secure support for the Imo State Charter of Equity, which advocates rotational power-sharing among the three senatorial zones, namely; Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu.
The Owerri delegation, led by the Coordinating Chairman of Owerri Zone United, Prince Charles Amadi, appealed to Okigwe stakeholders to support Owerri Zone in the 2027 governorship election.
Amadi said the appeal was based on the need for fairness, political balance and reciprocity.
The delegation, as part of the visit, presented six cows, representing the six local government areas in Okigwe Zone, alongside kolanuts, drinks and other traditional items.
Former Minister and Ambassador, Kema Chikwe also appealed to Okigwe stakeholders to support Owerri, describing the Charter of Equity as an important system for ensuring fairness and political stability in the state.
However, Okigwe stakeholders stopped short of endorsing Owerri Zone, insisting that the zone must also consider its own political interests before taking a position.
Some participants also challenged claims of past political support between the two zones.
They argued that Owerri had, during the eight-year period associated with former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, supported Rochas Okorocha instead of maintaining the expected political alliance with Okigwe.
Prince Marcon Nlemigbo, who is also reportedly interested in the 2027 governorship race, recalled instances of political cooperation between the zones, including circumstances surrounding the emergence of Ohakim, and appealed to Okigwe to reciprocate such gestures by supporting Owerri.
Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, representing Imo East Senatorial District, called for a broader understanding among the three senatorial zones, stressing the need for fairness, mutual interest and peaceful coexistence in the determination of the state’s political future.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Iheoma Ekomaru, also backed the call for Owerri Zone to produce the next governor.
Ekomaru observed a minute’s silence in honour of former Governor Sam Mbakwe, late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and other departed leaders before urging stakeholders to preserve unity and peaceful political transition in the state.
Meanwhile, Okigwe Zone declined to make a final commitment despite calls and appeals.
Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, who spoke prominently for Okigwe, acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Owerri and Okigwe but said the zone needed more time to consult widely before taking a final position.
Chukwu also referenced Governor Hope Uzodimma’s encouragement for stakeholders to continue discussions and harmonise their positions on the Charter of Equity, noting that Orlu Zone must also be part of the conversation.
He stressed that the 2027 election was still some distance away and that Okigwe stakeholders would need to consult across the zone before deciding which of the three senatorial zones to support.
The position effectively left Owerri’s request unresolved, with Okigwe neither endorsing nor rejecting the proposal.
Okigwe leaders, however, accepted the kolanuts, cows and other traditional items presented by the Owerri delegation but returned the monetary gift offered to them, explaining that they appreciated the traditional gestures but were not prepared to accept any money.
The outcome has added a new dimension to the emerging political calculations ahead of 2027, particularly as Orlu Zone also positions itself in the contest.
