Group Calls on Isiala Mbano to Step Aside, Back Onuimo for Okigwe North Seat in 2027

A political pressure group has thrown its weight behind the Imo Charter of Equity, calling on aspirants from Isiala Mbano Local Government Area to step aside in the race for the Okigwe North Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued to the press, the Onuimo Progressive Front (OPF) argued that adherence to the Charter demands that the next representative come from Onuimo LGA, completing a long-standing rotational agreement among the three council areas that make up the constituency.

The Charter of Equity, championed by Governor Hope Uzodimma, is designed to ensure the orderly rotation of political power among Imo’s three senatorial zones—Orlu, Owerri, and Okigwe. Governor Uzodimma has consistently described the framework as “a guiding principle for inclusiveness and fairness” rather than a tool for confusion.

According to the OPF, the principle must extend beyond the governorship to all levels of political representation, including federal constituencies. The group contends that Okigwe North—comprising Isiala Mbano, Okigwe, and Onuimo LGAs—now stands at a crossroads where that principle must be put into action.

Tracing the history of representation in the constituency, the OPF noted that Onuimo produced the representative in 1999, followed by Okigwe in 2007, and subsequently Isiala Mbano. With Isiala Mbano having completed its turn in the current cycle, the group argues that the next move is clear.

“As things stand, Isiala Mbano has completed its turn in the current cycle. The implication is straightforward: for the Charter of Equity to truly be ‘in action,’ all aspirants from Isiala Mbano—regardless of political affiliation or personal ambition—must recognize that the moral burden of leadership now rests with them to uphold equity by stepping aside,” the statement read.

Signed by Wisdom Chinemerem, President of the OPF, the statement stressed that the call is not directed at any individual but is a matter of collective responsibility. The group warned that selective adherence to the Charter would undermine its legitimacy, urging all aspirants from Isiala Mbano to commit to the rotational understanding.

“True adherence requires a unified commitment—a demonstration that Isiala Mbano, having benefited from the rotation, is willing to support the next phase of that arrangement,” the statement added.

The OPF further argued that Onuimo LGA, which initiated the rotation in 1999 but has not held the seat in recent cycles, is now positioned to take its turn. The group dismissed any notion that Onuimo lacks capable candidates, insisting that the LGA boasts “experienced, competent, and forward-looking individuals” ready to provide effective representation.

For Isiala Mbano leaders and aspirants, the OPF framed the moment as an opportunity for statesmanship, urging them to reinforce their commitment to fairness by stepping aside in the interest of justice. The group also called on stakeholders in Okigwe LGA and beyond to resist any attempt to bypass the rotational agreement.

“The path forward is simple and just: Isiala Mbano has had its turn. Equity demands the next turn be respected. 2027 should belong to Onuimo,” the statement concluded.

The group warned that anything less risks eroding the foundation of fairness that the Charter of Equity seeks to uphold across Imo State.