As the 2027 general elections gradually come into view, community leaders, youth groups, traditional rulers, women associations, and elder statesmen across Imo State are beginning to realign, re-strategize, and reflect deeply on how best to deepen democratic values, guarantee equitable representation, and preserve social harmony. Central to these critical conversations is the Imo Charter of Equity—a moral and political compass conceived to promote fairness in power rotation among the three senatorial zones: Okigwe (Imo North), Owerri (Imo East), and Orlu (Imo West)
In a period when Nigeria’s broader political landscape is being tested by polarization, ethnic tensions, and increasing youth disenfranchisement, it is both timely and imperative for Imo State to recommit itself to this unwritten yet profoundly impactful charter. If properly respected, the Charter of Equity has the capacity to prevent marginalization, reduce political tension, foster stability, and reinforce the legitimacy of leadership across all strata of government.
The core principle is simple but powerful: power should rotate fairly among the three zones to reflect the spirit of inclusiveness and collective ownership of the state. This principle not only aligns with democratic ideals but also reflects the foundational Igbo values of fairness and equity, simply put in Igbo (Egbe bere, Ugo bere).
*The Charter Must Cascade Down the Ballots*
For the Imo Charter of Equity to achieve its full moral and political impact, it must not be limited to the governorship alone. It must be cascaded down the ballots—to the senatorial positions, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and even further to local government chairmanships and councillorship positions.
It is no longer sufficient for only the highest office in the state to reflect equitable zoning while lower offices are monopolized by a few privileged zones or communities. The same logic of fairness must guide the distribution of elective offices across all political strata and constituencies. When one zone or local government continues to dominate leadership structures while others are perpetually sidelined, the seeds of division, apathy, and discontent are sown.
For Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and Oru West Federal Constituency, one issue stands out with striking clarity: it is that since the Fourth Republic began in 1999, no Ohaji native has had shot at either House of Representatives or Senate despite having everything it takes to ascend to these positions.
For far too long, political power within the federal constituency has rotated in a way that consistently sidelines one of its most strategic and populous areas—Ohaji.
Tellingly and surprisingly, no one including Ohaji people had raised this remarkably terrible marginalization. Things must change and since we are talking about Charter of Equity in the state, this is time for Ohaji to produce the next member of the House of Representatives. It's not only the right thing to be done, it is the fairest and just thing to be done.
Oguta currently holds the House of Representatives seat (2023–2027), Oru West currently holds the Senate seat for Imo West Senatorial District, and Ohaji/Egbema holds neither of these two major legislative positions.
*Data doesn't lie and history bears witness:*
1999–2003: Tony Eze Okere (Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema) — 1 term
2003–2007: Bonaventure Osita Izunaso (Oru West) — 1 term
2007–2011: Chika Ama Nwauwa (Oguta) — 1 term
2011–2015: Gerald Alphonsus Irona
(Oguta) — 1 term
2015–2019: Goodluck Nanah Opiah (Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema) — 1 term
2019–2023: Kingsley Chima Uju (Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema) — 1 term
2023–present (10th Assembly) Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu
(Oguta)
Senate – Imo West Senatorial District which includes Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West:
1999–2007: Francis Arthur Nzeribe (Oguta) – 2 terms
2007–2011: Bonaventure Osita Izunaso (Oru West)
2011–2019: Hope Uzodinma (Oru East) and current Imo State Governor - 2 terms
2019–2023: Rochas Okorocha (Ideato South) and former governor – 2 terms
2023–2027: Bonaventure Osita Izunaso (Oru West)
This imbalance begs the question: if we all agree on the principles of fairness and equity in governance, why has Ohaji continued to be overlooked?
*Equity Must Begin at Home*
It is one thing for the federal constituency to embrace zoning among its three local governments; it is another to ensure equity within the individual LGAs themselves. Even within Ohaji/Egbema LGA, the story becomes more concerning. History shows that:
Egbema (a major clan in Ohaji/Egbema LGA) has produced three House of Representatives members in the past, Ohaji (the co-equal half of the LGA) has never produced one.
This is not just a statistical imbalance—it is a glaring injustice. Ohaji, with its history, resources, and electoral strength, deserves to take its rightful place in the leadership of the constituency.
In 2027, the seat should naturally rotate away from Oguta, and the conversation should not end at handing it over to Ohaji/Egbema LGA. It must go a step further: it should be zoned to Ohaji communities specifically. Anything less would amount to cosmetic equity and continued internal marginalization.
*Why This Matters*
For democracy to thrive, there must be deliberate efforts to ensure that all segments of society feel represented. Political domination by one section of a constituency over the others breeds resentment, voter apathy, and political instability. Conversely, inclusive representation fosters peace, unity, and collective progress.
If Oguta and Oru West have both had their fair share of representation at the national level, it is only just and logical that Ohaji / Egbema takes its turn. And within Ohaji/Egbema, if Egbema has produced representatives three times, equity demands that Ohaji gets the chance in 2027.
*The Moral Argument*
This is not just a political appeal—it is a moral and historical call for justice. It is an opportunity to correct a longstanding imbalance. Let us not forget: when equity is denied, peace becomes fragile, and unity becomes a façade.
As 2027 approaches, political parties and stakeholders must do the right thing by supporting a qualified, credible candidate from Ohaji to represent the federal constituency in the House of Representatives. Doing so will not only restore faith in our democratic institutions but also affirm that fairness is not just a slogan—but a principle we are ready to uphold.
*A Call to Conscience*
The people of Ohaji have waited long enough. They have remained loyal to the democratic process, turned out to vote, and supported candidates from sister LGAs for decades. Now, it is time to reciprocate that loyalty with justice.
The road to equity is not paved with convenience but with courage. And now is the time for leaders across Oguta, Oru West, and Egbema to show that courage by standing for what is right and just.
Let 2027 be the year that Ohaji finally gets its turn.
BY: JOHN OBI
WRITING FOR JUSTICE AND EQUITY