…backs Imo Governorship Bid From Owerri Zone
Former Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Hon. Chief Chris Oguoma, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), South-East state governments, and churches to intensify awareness efforts for the ongoing voter registration and revalidation exercise across the region.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Hon. Oguoma stressed the need for massive sensitization to ensure greater citizen participation in the electoral process. He urged governments in the South-East to activate their information ministries and collaborate with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to educate the public on the importance of voter registration.
“Government should deploy the Ministry of Information and the NOA to mobilize citizens. INEC must also do more through radio jingles and state-based newspaper publications. People need to be informed and encouraged to register and revalidate their voters’ cards,” he said.
He emphasized that voter education remains a core responsibility of INEC and called on the Commission not to relent in using mass media to keep citizens informed throughout the exercise.
“Political participation begins with voting, and we, the political class, cannot do it alone. Churches should also encourage their congregants, especially those 18 years and above, to register. Everyone must be involved,” he added.
On the political front, Chief Oguoma predicted a landslide victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections, citing internal divisions within opposition parties as a major advantage for the ruling party.
“The major opposition parties are in disarray and unlikely to resolve their internal conflicts before the 2027 elections,” he said confidently.
The APC chieftain, who hails from Owerri Municipal, also threw his weight behind the growing call for the next Imo State governor to emerge from the Owerri Zone. He argued that equity and fairness demand that the zone, which has not held the governorship since 1999, be given the opportunity to produce the next governor.
“Since 1999, Okigwe and Orlu Zones have had their turns occupying the governorship seat. It is only just and equitable for Owerri Zone to take its turn,” he asserted.
While speaking on his political future, Chief Oguoma revealed that although he was approached to contest for the Federal House of Representatives seat in 2023, he chose to step aside in order to consult more widely.
“My people wanted me to run for the House of Reps in 2023, but I decided to hold back. I want to consult thoroughly. Once that process is complete, I will make my next political move public,” he concluded.
