(DDM) – Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has denied reports suggesting he plans to anoint a successor for the 2027 elections.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the governor made this clarification during a meeting with leaders of the Owerri zone on Wednesday.
The session, which was held at the Government House in Owerri, was aimed at addressing growing political tensions in the state.
Governor Uzodimma stressed that the “charter of equity” guiding Imo’s political landscape was never intended to impose candidates on the people.
He maintained that the document was designed to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence among different zones of the state.
“I will not choose a successor for Imo people,” the governor stated firmly.
“The process will be democratic, and the people will decide who governs them in 2027.”
Uzodimma also cautioned against political actors who, according to him, have been twisting the meaning of the charter for selfish ends.
He warned that such distortions could lead to confusion and threaten the political stability of the state.
“The charter of equity is real, but it is not about who becomes governor,” he explained.
“It is about ensuring that leadership is rotated fairly and that every zone in Imo State feels included.”
Leaders of the Owerri zone, present at the meeting, pledged their support for the governor’s inclusive policies.
They urged him to sustain his developmental agenda and continue strengthening political unity across the state.
Political analysts note that the debate over succession has intensified as the 2027 governorship election draws nearer.
The charter of equity, which was first introduced in 1999, has guided power-sharing among the state’s three senatorial zones.
Under this arrangement, leadership is expected to rotate among Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri zones to maintain fairness.
Critics, however, argue that the principle has been inconsistently applied in past elections, sparking political disagreements.
Governor Uzodimma’s latest statement is seen as an effort to dispel fears of a predetermined transition plan.
Observers believe his stance could encourage a more competitive political process in the lead-up to the next election.
INEC is expected to release the full timetable for the 2027 polls by early 2026, setting the stage for party primaries.
