Owerri Zone Stakeholders Reaffirm Demand for Governorship Shift in 2028

Stakeholders from Owerri Senatorial Zone of Imo State have renewed their call for a power shift in the 2028 governorship election, insisting that the zone can no longer be sidelined in the state’s political leadership.

At a town hall meeting in Owerri on Tuesday, jointly convened by Olu Owerri, Owerri Zone Indigenous Town Union, Ogbako Ndi Nze, and Owerri Zone Youth Forum, prominent voices demanded equity, fairness, and justice in line with the Imo Charter of Equity.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Equity and Justice, Panacea for Peace and Good Governance”, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Sorronnandi Njoku, declared that Owerri Zone’s claim to governorship is both constitutional and moral.

Citing Section 14 of the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Njoku argued that no legal or political basis exists for the continued exclusion of the zone. He lamented that while Orlu Zone has dominated governance for over two decades and Okigwe Zone has had its turn, Owerri Zone has been unjustly marginalised.

He recalled how the 2007 governorship victory of Martin Agbaso from Owerri Zone was nullified, stressing that such injustice must not be repeated. “The Charter of Equity is binding on all of us. Orlu has had its turn. Owerri Zone must take its rightful place in 2028. Anything less is injustice,” he declared.

Other leaders at the meeting echoed Njoku’s position. Chief Samson Ogbos, President of Owerri Zone Indigenous Town Union, urged unity across communities, while Olu Owerri President, Chief Martins Opara, warned that division would weaken the zone’s chances. Charles Nkwocha of Owerri Zone Ndi Nze and Ichie Peter Okwadike of the Association of Village Heads also emphasised that the governorship in 2028 is non-negotiable for Owerri Zone.

The town hall, held at Rockview Hotel, attracted thousands of men, women, and youths, alongside key leaders including Professor Jude Njoku, Chief Henry Onwukwe, and the Director-General of The Mazi Organisation.