The apex pressure group and socio-economic and socio-political platform in Owerri Zone, Owerri Zone United, has commenced consultations with leaders and stakeholders in Okigwe Zone over the 2027 Imo State governorship election, seeking support for the implementation of the Imo State Charter of Equity.
The meeting, held at the palatial residence of a prominent APC chieftain, Chief Tony Chukwu, in Ehime Mbano, brought together political leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders from both Owerri and Okigwe Zones.
The Coordinating Chairman of Owerri Zone United, Prince Charles Amadi (Charlvon), in his opening remarks, expressed delight over the large turnout of notable individuals from both zones.
He explained that the delegation visited Okigwe Zone because of the Imo State Charter of Equity, which he said had earlier received the executive endorsement of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as well as the support of the Imo State Elders Council.
According to him, the Charter of Equity is built around the three senatorial zones of the state and provides an opportunity for each zone—Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu—to produce the governor at the appropriate time.
Amadi, who was described as an operational leader of Owerri Zone APC, said the delegation came to appreciate the people of Okigwe Zone and appeal for their support for Owerri Zone to produce the next governor of Imo State in 2027 as successor to Governor Hope Uzodimma.
He recalled the cordial relationship between the people of Owerri and Okigwe Zones over the years, stressing that the two zones share strong historical, cultural and family ties.
As a symbolic gesture, Amadi disclosed that the delegation brought six cows, representing the six local government areas in Okigwe Zone, alongside assorted drinks and other items traditionally presented as gestures of goodwill and homage.
Also speaking, former Minister of the Federation, Ambassador Mrs. Kema Chikwe, expressed appreciation to the people of Okigwe Zone for receiving the delegation.
Chikwe said the visit was intended to strengthen the bond among the three senatorial zones and advance discussions on the Charter of Equity, which she described as an important initiative for political stability and peaceful power rotation in Imo State.
She commended Governor Hope Uzodimma, whom she described as a leader committed to leaving a legacy of peace and unity, and maintained that Owerri Zone should be given the opportunity to produce his successor in 2027.
Speaking on behalf of Owerri Zone, HRH Eze Engr. Fred Nwachukwu of Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area said the delegation was prepared to reciprocate the support previously received from Okigwe Zone when its own turn came.
Prince Marcon Nlemigbo appealed to the people of Okigwe Zone to support Owerri Zone in 2027, recalling previous instances in which Owerri Zone supported Okigwe Zone, including the election that produced former Governor Ikedi Ohakim.
Nlemigbo described the consultation as an opportunity for political reciprocity and urged Okigwe Zone to support the aspiration of Owerri Zone.
The serving Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District, Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, thanked the people of Okigwe Zone for their warm reception.
He said the Charter of Equity had provided an opportunity for the people of the state to discuss power rotation in the spirit of fairness and mutual understanding.
Onyewuchi expressed optimism that the people of Okigwe Zone would consider the request positively, noting that the relationship between the two zones had existed for decades.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Iheoma Ekomaru, also appealed to Okigwe Zone to support Owerri Zone in 2027.
Before delivering her remarks, she observed a minute of silence in honour of late Chief Barrister Sam Mbakwe, late Chief Engineer Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and other prominent Imo leaders who had passed away.
Ekomaru praised the legacy of former Governor Sam Mbakwe and compared the achievements of his administration with those of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
She further appealed to Okigwe Zone to support Governor Uzodimma in choosing his successor from Owerri Zone, arguing that such an arrangement would promote unity and strengthen peaceful power rotation in the state.
However, the response from Okigwe Zone indicated that the consultation was far from conclusive.
The immediate past President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, began his remarks with a Christian song before addressing the Charter of Equity.
He recalled that Governor Uzodimma had encouraged stakeholders from Owerri and Okigwe Zones to engage in discussions on equity and harmonise their positions.
Ozichukwu also referred to the historical and family relationships between the two zones, noting that many families in Okigwe Zone have strong marital and social connections with communities in Owerri Zone.
He, however, said there was still sufficient time for further consultations and negotiations, indicating that the matter should not be rushed.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides failed to reach a final agreement on the 2027 governorship arrangement.
Rather than accepting the request from Owerri Zone, some Okigwe Zone stakeholders indicated that there was still time for further discussions, negotiations and consultations before any definitive position could be reached.
The development effectively left the meeting without consensus, with the Charter of Equity and the 2027 governorship succession remaining subjects of further political engagement between the two zones.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Chief Barr. Willie Amadi of Owerri Municipal said the objective of the consultation was to secure support for a credible and dignified candidate from Owerri Zone in the 2027 governorship election.
The meeting therefore ended with both sides maintaining their positions, while leaving the door open for continued dialogue ahead of the 2027 Imo State governorship election.
