A silent storm appears to be brewing between Okigwe and Owerri senatorial zones over who will succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State in 2028.
Already, political leaders from Okigwe zone led by Chief Longers Anyanwu, have petitioned the Imo State Council of Elders, insisting on their turn to produce the governor in 2027.
However, Uzodimma had during campaigns for a second term pledged to cede power to Owerri zone in compliance to the Imo Charter of Equity aimed at facilitating rotational governance among the three senatorial zones.
Sources say powerful figures from Okigwe zone are bent on challenging the charter of equity because former governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim was denied a second term in office.
The Okigwe zone forces argue that the charter of equity document is undemocratic as it will hand over power to the Owerri zone on a platter even when they allegedly caused the disruption to the rotation of power.
However, Owerri zone political leaders are holding strategic meetings on how to produce Uzodimma’s successor even as local dailies are awash with accusations and counters on the charter of equity document.
Meanwhile, no official contenders have emerged from the zone, but the political landscape is abuzz with rumours of four top politicians poised to throw their hats into the ring.