Ex-Commissioner Ajumbe: Support for Okigwe Zone Key to Imo Governorship Race

A former two-term Commissioner and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, has urged residents of Owerri region to refrain from vying for the position of state governor in 2027 and instead back candidates from Okigwe. He believes this strategy offers the quickest path for Owerri zone to achieve their gubernatorial aspirations.

Before the 2027 gubernatorial elections, Ajumbe stated that maintaining the principle of equity—which requires rotating the governorship among the state’s three geopolitical zones—means supporting an Okigwe candidate from the Owerri zone for the next four years. He mentioned this period was interrupted in 2011 with the rise of Anayo Rochas Okorocha from the Orlu zone.

The APC Chieftain highlighted that the Imo Charter of Equity was initiated by Achike Udenwa from Orlu back in 1999.

was cut short in 2011 with the backing of Owerri Zone politicians.

The Charter of Equity is commendable, yet it was cut short in 2011. Initially, under the Charter of Equity, Orlu took the lead before passing the torch to Okigwe. Okigwe completed one term, after which Owerri interrupted its progress.

"They supported another Orlu to force out Okigwe. Could it be because Okigwe consists of six local government areas...?" Ajumbe asked.

He identified some prominent Owerri Zone politicians who according to him,, played major roles in bringing Okorocha from Orlu zone in 2011 despite the fact the zone have already completed its either years, adding that they also convinced him to run for Imo Governorship on the platform of APGA.

Speaking further, Ajumbe revealed that it was Owerri which also allegedly lied against the then Governor from Okigwe, Ikedi Ohakim, that he slapped a Reverend Father.

On the very day when we visited Fr Ejike Mbaka, he mentioned that he had questioned Fr Eustace, who responded that he hadn't even laid eyes on Ohakim.

He wondered why certain Owerri leaders would fabricate such falsehoods to defame Ohakim, who ultimately left office as governor in 2011.

"That’s how they demolished the Charter of Equity. It’s similar to when your car breaks down on the road; you must return to the spot where you last stopped, fix it, and then continue on your journey." Ajumbe stated.

The former commissioner, asserted that the reason behind his support for Okigwe zone, despite the fact that he comes from Owerri Zone, is because if Owerri and Okigwe zones fail to mend fences in view of what he perceived as an injustice meted on Okigwe Zone in 2011, an Orlu candidate could steal the show again in 2027.

He pointed out that certain Orlu politicians have recently expressed their intention to vie for the position of State Governor in 2027, and cautioned that Owerri and Okigwe regions ought not to dismiss this development lightly.

Ajumbe promoted robust cooperation between Owerri Zone and Okigwe Zone to prevent Orlu from advancing in 2027.

The APC Chieftain suggested that Governor Hope Uzodinma should opt for a successor who is familiar to him to sidestep what happened in the "Fubara scenario." He emphasized that an additional term of four years for Okigwe Zone would suffice to correct the error from 2011.

He further asserted that it would be more convenient and a quicker path for Owerri Zone to attain the coveted gubernatorial project once Okigwe Zone has served out its remaining four-year term.

Backing Okigwe region’s briefest route to Imo gubernatorial seat - Former Commissioner, Ajumbe