-Say:banning other aspirants from contest, irrational

Following reports in some newspapers than the Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA), consisting mainly of government appointees and apologists has adopted Gov Hope Uzodinma, as the sole candidate for the Orlu Senatorial election to the exclusion of other credible Orlu sons and daughters who are equally interested in the exalted position, the Orluzurumee Youth Assembly, the apex umbrella socio-cultural organization of youths in the twelve Local Government Areas of Orlu Zone at home and in the Diaspora, has described the purported endorsement of Uzodinma by OPOCA and ban of other aspirants as irrational, null and void and of no effect because, it does not represent the collective will of Orlu people.

The group stated this in a release signed by Prince Izuchukwu Obiefule and Comrade Ikenna Orioha, as National President and Publicity Secretary respectively.

The release captioned, “ORLUZURUMEE YOUTH ASSEMBLY DISSOCIATES SELF FROM OPOCA’S ALLEGED “BLANKET BAN” ON SENATORIAL ASPIRANTS IN ORLU ZONE” and dated May 4 2026, reads, “The Orluzurumee Youth Assembly has read with deep disbelief, surprise, and concern a press release credited to the Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA), claiming to have placed a blanket ban on all persons from Orlu Zone from contesting the Imo West Senatorial seat in 2027, while declaring His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, the unopposed candidate.

We are shocked and embarrassed by such a publication, not because we do not recognize the towering political influence of our son and brother, Governor Hope Uzodimma, but because we strongly believe that such an undemocratic narrative is capable of misrepresenting his personality, and projecting him wrongly before the people of Imo State and Nigerians at large.

Ordinarily, we would have ignored the said release. However, the attempt by OPOCA to present this pronouncement as though it represents the unanimous voice of Orlu Zone—claiming that traditional institutions, youth groups, professionals, and grassroots stakeholders are all in agreement with a so-called ban—has compelled us to issue this clarification in the interest of truth, democracy, and the dignity of Orlu Zone.

We wish to state clearly that Orluzurumee Youth Assembly totally dissociates itself from the content, tone, and intent of that press release”.

The group further stated that, “Our Position is Clear and Unambiguous:

1. Governor Hope Uzodimma is a symbol of democracy and popular leadership.

Our brother and son, His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma, has over the years stood firm as a product and promoter of democratic values. It is therefore unacceptable and unbecoming for any group or individuals to associate his name with pronouncements that portray intolerance, intimidation, or political suppression.

2. Governor Uzodimma does not need threats or bans to earn public support.

A great number of people across Orlu Zone and beyond believe that the Governor has performed creditably and has earned genuine goodwill. If he chooses to contest for the Senate, his performance and credibility are more than enough to attract massive support.

Attempting to scare or silence others with a so-called “ban” may create a dangerous impression that the Governor is afraid of competition. Such insinuation is not only false but also insulting to the reputation of a leader who has governed Imo State with courage, confidence, and capacity.

3. No individual or group has the authority to ban aspirants or restrict democratic participation.

We wish to remind the leadership of OPOCA, particularly Chief Barr. Sokom Rexanunobi, that no socio-political organization has the constitutional authority to prevent individuals or political parties from fielding candidates. Democracy allows citizens to express interest, contest elections, and seek public mandate freely.

If the Governor has been endorsed by the APC stakeholders of Orlu Zone—as was recently done at a party gathering—we respect that political process. Endorsement is legitimate. But banning others is not.

4. The alleged consensus meeting claimed by OPOCA never held to the best of our knowledge.

OPOCA’s claim that traditional rulers, youth groups, professional bodies, and other stakeholders gathered under its platform to endorse and ban aspirants is, to our knowledge, grossly misleading.

If such a meeting truly took place, we challenge OPOCA to publish verifiable evidence including photographs, attendance lists, and communiqués, to support its claims.

Our Message to OPOCA

We strongly advise OPOCA to desist from further actions that may bring embarrassment to Orlu Zone and misrepresent the democratic credentials of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Rather than engage in press statements capable of ridiculing the people and painting the Governor in bad light, OPOCA should instead channel its energy into constructive mobilization, issue-based advocacy, and responsible political engagement that will strengthen the unity of Orlu Zone.

Our Position on Governor Uzodimma’s Senate Aspiration:

Let it be clearly stated that Orluzurumee Youth Assembly is not against Governor Hope Uzodimma. On the contrary, we appreciate his developmental strides, especially within Orlu Zone, and we recognize him as a leader whose experience and political stature can positively benefit Imo West Senatorial District if he chooses to serve at the National Assembly.

Our concern is only this: His name should not be used to promote undemocratic narratives or intimidation tactics that may mislead the public and portray him as anti-people.

We therefore reiterate that the Orluzurumee Youth Assembly totally dissociates itself from the OPOCA press release and calls on all political actors to embrace democracy, maturity, and decency in political communication.

A word is enough for the wise”.