By Princely Onyenwe | Political Desk
OWERRI — As political consultations ahead of the 2027 Imo State governorship election gradually gather momentum, stakeholders across Imo State have called for merit, competence and a demonstrable record of service to guide the emergence of the state’s next governor.
The growing conversation comes amid sustained support for the Imo Charter of Equity, under which many political leaders and residents believe the governorship should rotate to Owerri Zone after the tenure of Governor Hope Uzodimma. However, stakeholders insist that zoning alone should not determine who eventually earns the confidence of voters.
Political stakeholders and residents who spoke with 9News Nigeria said the electorate is becoming increasingly interested in aspirants’ performance, accessibility, responsiveness and contributions to public development, rather than relying solely on political endorsements or party calculations.
The discussion gained renewed attention following the recent commissioning of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Skills Acquisition Centre in Owerri North, facilitated by Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, representing Imo East Senatorial District.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Hope Uzodinma described Senator Onyewuchi as “not just the Senator representing Owerri Zone but the entire Imo State,” while commending the Federal Government and NASENI for expanding investments in science, technology and engineering development.
The governor also urged the host community and relevant authorities to safeguard the facility against vandalism, stressing that public infrastructure represents investments that must be protected for present and future generations.
In his remarks, Senator Onyewuchi said the centre was established to equip young people with vocational and entrepreneurial skills capable of reducing unemployment and promoting self-reliance.
“Our goal is to teach our people how to fish, not just give them fish,” the senator said, adding that beneficiaries would receive support to establish small businesses after completing their training.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting NASENI’s mandate and commended Governor Uzodinma for facilitating the establishment of the centre in Imo State.
Following the commissioning, reactions from residents and stakeholders reflected broad support for the project as an investment in youth development. However, some respondents told 9News Nigeria that those seeking higher elective offices would also be assessed on their broader contributions to infrastructure, healthcare, education, rural development, youth empowerment and consistent engagement with their constituents.
Some traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders who attended the event also advocated greater youth participation in future programmes associated with the facility, noting that it was established primarily to benefit young people.
Political observers say the ongoing conversations indicate that voters are increasingly placing greater emphasis on measurable performance, accountability, leadership capacity and accessibility as succession politics gathers pace ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
They maintained that irrespective of political party, aspirants seeking to succeed Governor Uzodinma would be expected to demonstrate integrity, administrative competence, a clear development agenda and a verifiable record of public service capable of earning the confidence of Imo voters.
