Follow Us on Google
Mazi Ubochi Ubochi, an indigene of Orlu Senatorial Zone, has called for serious consideration of Owerri Zone in the 2027 Imo State governorship succession, arguing that the historical distribution of political power in the state raises important questions about fairness, inclusion and equitable rotation.
In an interview with Saturday Sun, Ubochi said the circumstances surrounding Owerri Zone’s brief experience in the governorship, compared with the cumulative years Orlu has occupied the office, should feature prominently in consultations over who succeeds Governor Hope Uzodimma.
He maintained that the 2027 succession debate presents an opportunity for Imo State to address the imbalance in governorship tenure among its three senatorial zones and build greater confidence in the principle of political rotation.
“What should concern us is not simply which zone has the political strength to produce a governor, but whether the opportunity to govern Imo State has been shared in a way that gives every zone a genuine sense of belonging,” Ubochi said.
He pointed to the state’s political history since 1999, noting that Orlu has produced Achike Udenwa, who governed from 2003 to 2011; Rochas Okorocha, who served from 2011 to 2019; and Hope Uzodimma, who assumed office in January 2020.
If Uzodimma completes his current tenure in January 2028, Orlu would have occupied the governorship seat for approximately 24 years across that period.
By contrast, Okigwe Zone produced Ikedi Ohakim, who governed from 2007 to 2011, while Owerri Zone produced Emeka Ihedioha, whose administration lasted from May 2019 until January 2020, when the Supreme Court overturned his election.
For Ubochi, the difference in these periods is central to understanding Owerri Zone’s position in the coming succession debate. While Okigwe experienced a full four-year administration, Owerri’s elected administration lasted only about seven and a half months.
He argued that the distinction should not be overlooked when political stakeholders discuss equitable access to the governorship.
“Any serious discussion about fairness must take account of the actual time each zone has had to govern. Owerri’s experience cannot be treated as though it were equivalent to a four-year tenure. The people of Owerri had only a brief period with their elected governor before the Supreme Court judgment brought that administration to an end,” he said.
Ubochi stressed that his position was particularly significant because he comes from Orlu, the zone that would have accumulated approximately 24 years in the governorship by the end of Uzodimma’s current term.
He said his willingness to raise the issue reflected the need for political conversations to move beyond sectional loyalty and focus on the long-term cohesion of Imo State.
