As the 2027 Imo State Governorship Election approaches, the expectations of Ndi Imo are crystal clear: the state needs a leader who is not just politically ambitious, but genuinely humane, a man or woman with empathy, integrity, and the courage to act in the interest of the people. For too long, Imo has been governed by individuals whose priorities often drift far from the core needs of the citizenry. Now, more than ever, the people demand a governor who will feel their pains, understand their aspirations, and lead with compassion backed by measurable results.
Unemployment in Imo has reached alarming levels, leaving many youths idle and vulnerable. The next governor must be a proven job creator who comes into office with a clear and actionable plan to engage young people productively. By promoting agriculture and agro-allied industries, the state can generate significant revenue, ensure food security, and create thousands of sustainable jobs. Strategic support for SMEs, start-ups, and cottage industries can harness our people’s creativity and reduce dependence on government patronage, while apprenticeship, vocational training, and digital skills acquisition must become state policy, not campaign rhetoric.
Security must be treated as non-negotiable. No meaningful development can occur in an atmosphere of fear. Insecurity has disrupted lives and driven investors away from Imo. The right leader must deploy modern security technologies and surveillance systems across all 27 LGAs, empower community policing, strengthen local intelligence networks, and work with security agencies to not only curb crime but restore peace, dignity, and economic activity in troubled areas.
One of the greatest failings in recent decades has been the neglect of rural areas. The next governor must reverse this imbalance by upgrading roads, schools, hospitals, and electricity in neglected communities. Policies must be put in place to discourage rural-urban migration and incentivize urban-rural relocation through economic opportunities, ensuring that rural communities are integrated into the economic mainstream rather than left behind.
The economy must be rebuilt through an enabling environment that attracts investors. This requires transparent, investor-friendly policies, the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks, and targeted support for small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of economic activity in the state.
A true democrat is also essential, someone who respects the constitution, upholds freedom of expression, and sees the media not as adversaries but as partners in governance. An open-door policy with journalists, civil society, and opposition voices will foster trust and accountability.
Since the creation of Imo State on February 3, 1976, political equity has been a principle in theory but not in practice. The state has three senatorial zones, Owerri, Orlu, and Okigwe. Over the past 48 years, Orlu Zone has enjoyed an overwhelming monopoly of the governorship seat, Okigwe has had its turn, but Owerri Zone has been largely excluded. The record speaks for itself: Sam Mbakwe from Okigwe served from 1979 to 1983; Evan Enwerem and Emeka Ihedioha from Owerri, were governors for less than two years before the 1993 military takeover and a supreme court judgement in 2020; Achike Udenwa from Orlu served two full terms from 1999 to 2007; Ikedi Ohakim from Okigwe served from 2007 to 2011; Rochas Okorocha from Orlu held office from 2011 to 2019; and Hope Uzodinma, also from Orlu, will complete another eight years in 2027. By then, Orlu Zone will have governed the state for 24 years, Okigwe for 8 years, while Owerri will have held power for less than 2 years in nearly half a century.
This imbalance is not just a statistic, it is a political injustice that has denied Owerri Zone the opportunity to set the state’s developmental agenda for decades. Owerri hosts the state capital, the bulk of the state’s economic infrastructure, and serves as the administrative, commercial, and cultural hub of Imo. Yet, it has been reduced to a political spectator while others monopolized power.
Zoning in 2027 is not about sentiment; it is about fairness, justice, and stability. If political equity is to have any real meaning in Imo, the next governor must come from Owerri Zone. The people must rally behind a credible, God-fearing technocrat with a proven track record, humility, vision, and a commitment to service rather than entitlement.
This is not merely about political parties or personal ambitions; it is about justice, balanced development, and the survival of our political harmony. In 2027, Ndi Imo must unite behind a competent, people-focused leader from Owerri Zone, someone who will restore balance, deliver development, and heal decades of political neglect. The time for Owerri Zone is now, and the time for purposeful leadership is long overdue.
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
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