Stakeholders from Owerri Senatorial Zone of Imo State have renewed their call for political inclusion, insisting that the governorship position must shift to their zone by 2028, citing decades of marginalization in the state's power distribution.
At a well-attended town hall meeting held in Owerri on Tuesday, prominent legal luminary Barrister Sorronnandi Njoku delivered a compelling keynote address titled "Equity and Justice, Panacea for Peace and Good Governance," where he emphasized that the zone's right to govern is both constitutionally guaranteed and morally justified.
"Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right of all zones to aspire to govern," Njoku stated, adding that "no legal or political justification exists for excluding Owerri Zone from producing the next governor."
The former State Attorney-General highlighted the political imbalance that has characterized Imo State since the return to democracy in 1999, noting that Orlu Zone has dominated the governorship position for over 20 years, while Okigwe Zone has also had its fair share of power.
Njoku pointed to the Imo Charter of Equity, which was established before the November 2023 governorship election, as a binding agreement designed to ensure power rotation among the three senatorial zones of the state.
"The Charter of Equity is binding on all of us. Orlu has had its turn. Owerri Zone must take its rightful place in 2027. Anything less is injustice," he declared emphatically.
The legal expert further referenced both Nigeria's Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which emphasize fairness and inclusivity in governance, arguing that continued exclusion of Owerri Zone would violate these fundamental principles.
Drawing from historical precedents, Njoku recalled how even within single four-year terms, past leaders like Sam Mbakwe and Ikedi Ohakim achieved significant developmental milestones, demonstrating that effective governance depends more on vision and leadership capacity than tenure duration.
He also reminded attendees of the 2007 electoral controversy when Martin Agbaso's victory was nullified, describing it as an injustice that should not be repeated in the upcoming electoral cycle.
"Governorship aspirations must rest on merit, integrity, and competence, not manipulation," Njoku emphasized.
The gathering at Rockview Hotel, which attracted thousands of participants, featured additional speakers who reinforced the zone's position. Chief Samson Ogbos, President of Owerri Zone Indigenous Town Union, stressed the importance of unity among communities in supporting credible candidates from the zone.
Olu Owerri President, Chief Martins Opara, warned against division, stating, "We need to come together and work for the success of this project. Division is our greatest enemy."
Charles Nkwocha, representing Owerri Zone Ndi Nze, and Ichie Peter Okwadike of the Association of Village Heads, both endorsed the position that 2028 is non-negotiable for Owerri Zone to produce the next governor of Imo State.
The event was attended by numerous prominent leaders from the zone, including Professor Jude Njoku, Chief Henry Onwukwe, Director-General of The Mazi Organisation, and many others, demonstrating broad-based support for the power shift agenda.
The town hall meeting was jointly organized by several influential groups including Olu Owerri, Owerri Zone Indigenous Town Union, Ogbako Ndi Nze, and Owerri Zone Youth Forum, highlighting the collaborative effort to address what they describe as a long-standing political marginalization.
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