UIPC WORLDWIDE: Imo 2027 Governorship—Equity, Inclusion, Competence and Democratic Choice. Nonpartisan, United and Committed to Good Governance.

UNITED IGBO POLITICAL CONGRESS (UIPC) WORLDWIDE

OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT

Reference No.: UIPC/NAT/IMO-GOV/2026/010 Date: 24 October 2026

IMO STATE’S 2027 GOVERNORSHIP SUCCESSION: EQUITY, INCLUSION AND DEMOCRATIC CHOICE

Motto: Unity • Representation • Responsible Leadership • Development

UIPC’S OFFICIAL NONPARTISAN POSITION

The United Igbo Political Congress (UIPC) Worldwide unequivocally maintains its nonpartisan status. It does not endorse any senatorial zone, political party, governorship aspirant or candidate for the 2027 Imo State governorship election.

This statement is an issue-based contribution to public discussion, promoting equity, peaceful dialogue, responsible leadership and democratic participation—not a predetermined political outcome.

1. BACKGROUND TO THE DEBATE

UIPC has taken note of public discussion, including a commentary published in The Sun advocating priority consideration for Owerri Zone in the 2027 governorship succession.

The debate raises important questions about political representation, zoning, rotation and inclusion among Imo State’s three senatorial zones: Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe.

Proponents of Owerri Zone’s position cite fairness and inclusion, while others may hold different views regarding zoning, competence, political agreements and democratic choice. UIPC considers these legitimate subjects for peaceful, balanced discussion. Acknowledging an argument does not mean adopting it as the Congress’s institutional preference.

2. CLARIFICATION ON THE 2019 GOVERNORSHIP

Chief Emeka Ihedioha was inaugurated as Governor of Imo State on 29 May 2019. On 14 January 2020, in Uzodinma v. Ihedioha, Appeal No. SC.1462/2019, the Supreme Court allowed Senator Hope Uzodinma and the All Progressives Congress’s appeal, set aside the lower court’s decision affirming Ihedioha’s return, and ordered that votes from 388 polling units wrongly excluded from Uzodinma’s score be added to the results. The Court declared that Ihedioha had not been duly elected by a majority of lawful votes and declared Uzodinma the winner of the 9 March 2019 governorship election. It also ordered the withdrawal of Ihedioha’s Certificate of Return and issuance of a new certificate to Uzodinma.

UIPC acknowledges the authority and legal effect of that judgment.

Ihedioha’s brief tenure may inform discussions about political representation and inclusion. However, it creates no constitutional right or automatic entitlement for Owerri Zone—or any other zone—to produce the governor in 2027. This historical reference is provided solely as context, not as an endorsement of any zonal claim.

3. RESPECT FOR ALL THREE ZONES

UIPC recognises Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe as integral and equally important parts of Imo State. Each has legitimate aspirations and valuable contributions to the state’s development.

No zone should be vilified because of its position on succession. Citizens must be free to express their views without intimidation or pressure to support any particular zone, party or candidate. Imo State’s welfare and stability must take precedence over sectional rivalry.

4. EQUITY, COMPETENCE AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

Zoning and inclusion may contribute to political stability, but they should be considered alongside integrity, competence, vision and governing capacity.

Imo State needs leadership capable of addressing security, employment, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, industrial development and public accountability. Citizens should assess candidates on their character, track records, policies and commitment to public service.

5. CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE ENGAGEMENT

UIPC calls on government, political parties, aspirants, traditional rulers, elders, civil society, the media and citizens to approach the succession debate responsibly.

Stakeholders should encourage inclusive dialogue, transparent political engagement, balanced public discussion and peaceful participation. Citizens should reject intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric and political violence, making informed choices in the public interest.

6. CONCLUSION: PRINCIPLES ABOVE PARTISAN INTERESTS

Owerri Zone’s call for priority consideration, alongside the perspectives of Orlu and Okigwe Zones, remains a matter for public debate. UIPC does not adopt any zone’s claim as its institutional preference.

The Congress remains committed to nonpartisan civic engagement, equitable inclusion, competent leadership, accountability, peaceful coexistence and democratic choice.

As the Igbo proverb reminds us, “Igwe bụ ike”—there is strength in unity. Imo State will be better served when political differences are addressed through fairness, mutual respect and democratic processes.

ISSUED BY:

HIGH CHIEF MAJOR (DR.) COC UZOR (RTD) NATIONAL PRESIDENT UNITED IGBO POLITICAL CONGRESS (UIPC) WORLDWIDE

Unity • Representation • Responsible Leadership • Development