As the November 11 governorship election in Imo State approaches, candidates hailing from the Owerri Zone Senatorial District have collectively called upon Governor Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress to withdraw his bid for a second term or reelection.
The candidates making this appeal include Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tony Ejiogu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Kemdi Opara of the Young Progressives Congress, and Kachi Nwoga of the Action Democratic Party.
Their argument centers on the perceived undemocratic nature of Governor Uzodimma seeking reelection when the Orlu Senatorial District has already held control over the state for 20 out of the 24 years since the advent of democracy in 1999.
This stance emerged as part of the resolutions reached at the 5th anniversary of the Egbu Declaration, a gathering held on Saturday. Notable figures endorsing these resolutions include Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ahamba, and former Speakers of the state House of Assembly, Nnaemeka Maduagwu. The chairman and secretary of the anniversary, Julius Onyenucheya and Martin Opara, respectively, also supported the communique.
The resolution emphasized the adoption of all positions from the maiden Egbu Declaration against injustice in the Imo sociopolitical landscape. It particularly highlighted the perceived injustice faced by Owerri Zone and its people, urging the public not to accept any attempts to marginalize the zone in the Imo project.
The resolution further expressed regret over the continuous disruption of the accord that recognized the tripod arrangement in Imo State, advocating for the rotation of power between the three senatorial zones of Orlu, Owerri, and Okigwe in the interest of peace, equity, and fairness.
