Gov Poll: ‘Imo People Rejected Them’ – Uzodimma Tackles Opponents

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma asserted on Friday that the opposition’s rejection in the recent off-cycle election directly resulted from the electorate’s adherence to the charter of equity.

During the presentation of his certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Owerri, Uzodimma highlighted the crucial role played by the charter of equity in shaping the electoral outcome.

“Since I am (from) Orlu, these leaders endorsed me for a second term and final tenure. They made an appeal to the Imo people that only those from the Orlu zone should contest the last election because the charter does not abridge the constitutional rights of anybody.

“Our brothers from Owerri and Okigwe still contested, but the people rejected them. They rejected them because they swam against the tide, which the charter of equity represents.” he said.

The governor emphasised that the Imo Charter of Equity, designed to maintain peace and order in the state’s leadership transition, had recommended candidates solely from the Orlu zone.

He highlighted that the rejection of these candidates stemmed from their defiance of popular sentiment.

Uzodimma further underscored the crucial role played by the charter of equity in securing his reelection, asserting that voters supported it to ensure seamless future elections in the state.

“In other words, apart from my performance, the charter of equity played a key role in my reelection.

“People voted to support the charter so that going forward, our electoral process in the state will be rancour-free and less expensive,” he said.

Additionally, he suggested that a noteworthy consequence of the charter of equity during his term would be the rise of a governor from the Owerri Zone in 2027.