Imo Guber: New Political Group Emerges from Owerri Zone

The debate over which zone, between Okigwe and Owerri, should produce the next Governor of Imo State after Orlu Zone, has taken a new turn with the formation of a new political group, Owerri Zone Peoples Mandate (OWZOPEM).

This group is led by Prof. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, Capt. David Mbamara (designated as the Chairman), and Chief Mike Nwachukwu (designated as the Chairman of the Strategic Committee). In a communique issued after their inaugural meeting in Owerri on Saturday, June 29, the group decided to establish a high-powered committee to engage with Okigwe Zone through the Okigwe Global Elders Forum and Orlu Zone through the Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA). Their primary goal is to avoid conflicts of interest in their respective efforts to secure the next Governorship.

The communique also mentioned plans to communicate with the people of Ohaji/Egbema regarding their decision to remain in Imo State amidst the call for creating Orlu State. They praised Governor Hope Uzodinma for his developmental work and his support for Owerri Zone’s bid to produce the next Governor.

The meeting’s objectives, detailed in the communique distributed to journalists, included plans to reach an understanding with those advocating for Okigwe Zone, particularly the Okigwe Global Elders Forum led by HRH Eze Oliver Ohanweh, to avoid clashes of interest between the two zones.

Addressing the meeting, Chairman Capt. Mbamara highlighted the historical disadvantage Owerri Zone has faced in securing the Governorship since 1999. He emphasized that this time, the zone must unite to achieve their goal.

Prof. Ajumbe noted that the group is still in its formative stage and open to ideas that will help Owerri Zone secure the Governorship. He stressed the importance of seeking support from other zones to ensure the political future of Owerri Zone is not jeopardized.

The meeting was well attended by political stakeholders from across the zone.