By Chidi Nkwopara

OWERRI — A clandestine plot by some prominent political leaders in Orlu and Okigwe senatorial zones of Imo State to perpetually deny Owerri zone the gubernatorial seat has been uncovered.

Vanguard investigations revealed that political leaders from the two zones, who jettisoned their political persuasions, allegedly held a meeting in Umuahia, Abia State capital recently, where the plot was fine-tuned.

A prominent political leader from Okigwe zone, who confirmed the plot, told Vanguard that the meeting was originally planned to take place outside the South-East geo-political zone, but was later rescheduled for Umuahia.

According to the politician, who chose to remain anonymous so as not to be excluded from subsequent meetings,  the choice of Umuahia is aimed at making the outcome of their meetings secret.
“People from Owerri zone have made so much noise about the now threatened Imo Charter of Equity. Okigwe leaders are not so happy with the role played by Owerri zone during the last gubernatorial election,” he said.

The politician said that “as a way of paying back evil for evil to Owerri zone, Okigwe zone agreed to partner with Orlu zone to support them in the 2015 governorship election.”
He said the condition attached to this agreement was that the governor of Okigwe extraction must ensure that all programmes and projects commenced by Governor Rochas Okorocha in Orlu zone must be completed.

He further revealed that most political leaders in Orlu were not only supportive of Okorocha, but also plotting to use the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, structure and financial logistics to deliver the incumbent governor as was the case in 2011.

The second option canvassed by the schemers was to support an Okigwe candidate that had the constitutional right of eight years to take over from Okorocha and hand over power to Orlu in 2023, if the plot succeeded.