Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has stated that he will not anoint or handpick a successor when his tenure ends in January 2028, stressing that such a decision must arise through a democratic process.
The governor made this known on Thursday while receiving stakeholders from Owerri Zone who paid him a solidarity visit at Government House, Owerri.
Addressing concerns surrounding the Imo Charter of Equity, a political framework aimed at ensuring rotational leadership and addressing imbalances, Uzodinma warned against its misuse, saying it should not become a tool for division or misinformation.
“The Charter of Equity is not for people to go on social media and spread fake news,” he said. “It is a document created to help us reflect on past imbalances and correct them, not to create new confusion.”
Uzodinma urged the stakeholders to focus on the collective interest of the state, rather than personal or zonal ambitions. He encouraged Owerri Zone to engage with other zones and prioritise unity and inclusiveness in their aspirations for the governorship.
He noted that the state requires a leader who is selfless and capable of making informed decisions that promote balanced development across all regions.
While acknowledging the zone’s unity, the governor also cautioned against premature political campaigns, urging leaders to concentrate on current challenges such as security, healthcare, and economic development.
Earlier, Chief Charles Amadi, who spoke on behalf of the Owerri Zone delegation, praised the governor for initiating the Charter of Equity. He described it as a bold step toward promoting justice, equity, and peaceful power transition in the state.
Amadi assured the governor of the zone’s full support and alignment with the Charter, adding that they would back any credible candidate adopted through a fair process.
“We now speak with one voice,” Amadi said, “and we appreciate your infrastructural strides and your commitment to a fair power rotation as outlined in the Charter.”
