Former Imo ANPP Chairman and ex-presidential think-tank member, Chief Vitalis Ajumbe, has thrown his weight behind Ikedi Ohakim as the ideal candidate to succeed Governor Hope Uzodinma in 2027, insisting that equity, justice, and political conscience demand that the governorship return to Okigwe zone. He warned Owerri zone leaders to abandon any 2027 ambitions, describing such aspirations as “a guaranteed political mirage.”
Speaking during an exclusive chat in Owerri over the weekend, Ajumbe argued that the so-called Charter of Equity—if it must be upheld—must return to where it was interrupted in 2011, when Ohakim’s re-election bid was abruptly cut short. “Governor Achike Udenwa, from Orlu, served eight years. Then came Ohakim from Okigwe, but his second term was denied—ironically by Owerri leaders who now preach equity,” he said.
He insisted that if fairness must guide Imo’s future, Okigwe zone must be allowed to complete its “abandoned four years,” and that only Ohakim meets the constitutional and moral criteria for such a mandate. “He can’t exceed four years. That guarantees Owerri’s shot at power in 2031. It’s the shortest and safest route,” Ajumbe declared.
Lamenting the political conspiracy that ousted Ohakim in 2011, Ajumbe accused influential figures from Owerri zone—including Archbishop Anthony Obinna, Senator Chris Anyanwu, and the late Chief P.C. Onuoha—of playing decisive roles in what he called “the destruction of democracy and justice.” He referenced Anyanwu’s memoir Bold Leap, where she allegedly admitted federal-level involvement in the plot.
Ajumbe said many now regret Ohakim’s removal, including clerics and political actors who once led the charge against him. “Had we allowed Ohakim to complete his second term, Owerri zone would’ve had its full turn by now. That injustice set us all back,” he added. He described Ohakim as “forgiving and visionary,” and praised his achievements during his first term.
He cautioned that any plan to sideline Okigwe again would be dangerous. “Owerri should marry Okigwe politically. Underrating Okigwe zone will spark a backlash. If they think money and promises will win it, they’ve misread the signs. Uzodinma made no such promise to them,” he said, warning of political fallout if history repeats itself.
Ajumbe concluded by stating his red line: “As an Owerri leader, I won’t support any Okigwe candidate seeking more than four years. But Ohakim is the only person who ticks all the boxes—constitutional, political, and moral. Imo needs an experienced hand, not another experiment. If not Ohakim, then who?”
