Fellow Imolites, “Equity Delayed is Justice Denied: 2027 Is the Turn of Owerri Zone, Let’s Complete the Circle!”
Duruebube.
At critical moments in history, a people must choose between perpetuating injustice or embracing equity; between repeating mistakes or setting a new, honorable precedent.
Today, we are again at such a crossroads in Imo State. And the choice before us is clear:
It is time, long overdue, for Owerri Zone to produce the next governor of Imo State in 2027.
This is not a matter of sentiment.
It is a matter of justice, equity, unity, and survival of the political soul of Imo State.
*A History of Uneven Governance
Since the return to democracy in 1999, the record is crystal clear:
Orlu Zone has produced three governors: Achike Udenwa (1999-2007), Rochas Okorocha (2011-2019), and Hope Uzodimma (2020-present).
That’s a cumulative total of 24 years (by 2027).
Okigwe Zone has produced only one governor: Ikedi Ohakim (2007-2011), for 4 years.
Owerri Zone, despite being one of the most politically conscious and socioeconomically strategic parts of the state, has only had a 7-month stint under Emeka Ihedioha (2019-2020, aborted, and no full democratically elected governorship term since 1999.
How is this fair?
If we claim to be a just people, how can we explain this gross imbalance, where one zone has held power overwhelmingly, another briefly, and the third almost never?
*The Truncated Victory of 2007: A Historic Betrayal
In 2007, Chief Martin Agbaso of Owerri Zone was on the cusp of correcting this historical injustice.
He was leading the gubernatorial election across 3642 polling units in 26 LGAs.
Security preparations had already begun for his swearing-in.
Yet, under suspicious and widely condemned circumstances, the election was callously annulled, orchestrated by Prof. Maurice Iwu, then INEC National Chairman, a son of Okigwe Zone.
This truncated mandate robbed Owerri Zone of its deserved turn and deepened a wound that has never truly healed.
Imo has not fully moved forward because part of its body politic remains crippled by that injustice.
*Equity Must Be Restored Before the Wheel Can Spin
States that have enjoyed relative peace and political stability, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, respect zoning arrangements, ensuring that every zone gets a turn.
It is the reason political tensions in those states are far less toxic compared to Imo.
In Imo, we must spin the wheel of leadership properly:
Orlu has had more than its fair share.
Okigwe has had a turn.
Owerri must now have its full opportunity before Okigwe returns.
That is the only way the circle can be completed.
Only then can we say we are one, united Imo State.
*Why Okigwe Must Wait
The arguments are simple and irrefutable:
Okigwe Zone had its shot with Ohakim (4 years).
Owerri Zone has never had even 4 years under the current democratic dispensation.
Equity is not about mathematical calculations; it is about justice and healing historical wounds.
Political stability demands that Owerri is allowed to take its rightful turn before anyone else re-enters the cycle.
Insisting otherwise would be rewarding injustice and fueling division.
*An Appeal to Conscience: Saving Imo from Implosion
If we fail to do what is right in 2027, if we continue to suppress a major section of our state, then the consequences are inevitable:
Widespread disenchantment among the people.
Deepening political divisions that could spiral into dangerous unrest.
Loss of credibility and legitimacy of leadership.
We must not allow ambition, selfishness, or short-term calculations to destroy the long-term unity and progress of Imo State.
The time to heal is now.
The time for Owerri Zone to lead is now.
Injustice against one part is injustice against all.
If we betray Owerri today, tomorrow it may be Orlu. Next, it could be Okigwe. No one wins in an unjust system.
History is watching.
Posterity will judge.
Let us choose unity, fairness, and justice.
Ndi Imo, let us rise above selfish interests and do the right thing.
In 2027, let us make history:
Let us complete the circle.
Let us elect a governor from Owerri Zone.
That is the path of honor.
That is the path of progress.
That is the path of peace.
By Hon. Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
Leave a comment