Hope Uzodinma Insists on Zoning as Imo Governorship Battle Heats Up

Hope Uzodinma has drawn a firm line in the sand over the future of Imo politics, declaring that the state’s governorship must continue to rotate among its three senatorial zones to preserve balance and stability.

Speaking in Owerri while receiving a report from the Imo Elders Council, the governor made it clear that any attempt to disrupt the existing zoning arrangement—anchored in the state’s Charter of Equity—would be resisted. He warned that political exclusion has historically fueled unrest and must not be allowed to resurface.

The Charter of Equity, which guides the rotation of power among Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri zones, remains central to the state’s political structure. Uzodinma stressed that fairness and inclusion are not optional ideals but necessary conditions for peace and sustainable governance.

“We will eliminate any form of hostile takeover by building consensus among ourselves,” the governor said, referencing lessons from the political tensions that surrounded his emergence in 2020. He argued that denying any region a sense of belonging could undermine long-term stability.

The governor also revealed plans to strengthen the legal framework backing the Elders Council, describing the body as the moral compass of the state. Proposed amendments would give the council more authority, including the power to discipline members who act outside its guiding principles.

Uzodinma further called on political stakeholders to align with the zoning system and avoid actions that could deepen divisions. He reiterated his administration’s support for the federal government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging cooperation as a pathway to development and continuity.

Chairman of the Elders Council, Cletus Ilomuanya, backed the governor’s stance, emphasizing that unity and balanced development are key to the state’s progress. He urged that the Charter of Equity should move beyond political rhetoric and be reflected in real governance decisions, including appointments and project distribution.

With consultations expected to continue across the three zones, Uzodinma expressed confidence that adherence to equity and dialogue would pave the way for a smoother political transition—one that avoids the instability that has plagued Imo in the past.