Group endorses Uzodimma as sole candidate for Imo West Senate
The Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA) has thrown its full weight behind Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for the Imo West Senatorial District seat in 2027, declaring the ticket “not
The Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA) has thrown its full weight behind Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for the Imo West Senatorial District seat in 2027, declaring the ticket “not open to any other aspirant.”
At a world press conference held on Sunday at its National Secretariat in New Owerri, the political bloc described its endorsement as “total, unanimous and irrevocable,” effectively closing the door on any potential challengers from Orlu Zone.
Addressing journalists, OPOCA National President, Chief Rex Anunobi, said the decision followed what he described as a “historic convergence” of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders across the zone, who had presented the senatorial nomination form to the governor a day earlier.
“What happened on Saturday was no ordinary political gathering,” Anunobi said. “A sea of APC stakeholders from across Orlu Zone spoke with one voice, adopting Governor Uzodimma’s candidature and urging him to return to the Red Chamber.”
He added that OPOCA’s endorsement transforms that collective call into “an unshakable resolution,” stressing that the group speaks as “the unified voice of millions who believe in strategic, high-performance leadership.”
The assembly anchored its decision on what it described as the governor’s “unprecedented transformation” of the zone and the state over the past seven years.
Read Also: Nigeria’s economy rebounds strongly, report shows
“From rural roads to urban renewal, from improved security to economic revival, Orlu Zone has never had it so good,” Anunobi stated. “This is not blind loyalty. It is a conviction built on visible results.”
OPOCA also highlighted Uzodimma’s previous experience in the Senate, describing him as a “ranking legislator” whose pedigree has enhanced his performance in the executive arm.
“We are calling for the return of a ‘Super Senator’ — a statesman with the clout, capacity and national network to attract greater development to Orlu Zone, Imo State and the Southeast under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
In a strongly worded warning, the group cautioned against any attempt to contest the seat against the governor.
“Let there be no confusion: the Imo West Senatorial seat is not open for contest,” Anunobi declared. “Any individual who defies this collective will shall be deemed to have opposed the supreme interest of our people and will be treated accordingly.”
He called on political actors and stakeholders in Orlu Zone to respect the consensus, insisting that unity remains critical to advancing the region’s political and developmental interests.
“Our journey to the political promised land for Ndigbo must not be interrupted,” he added.
The endorsement signals a tightening of political ranks within Orlu Zone ahead of the 2027 elections, with OPOCA positioning itself as a decisive force in shaping the senatorial race.
Other leaders present at the event included the National Secretary, Chief Goddy Esomobodo; Chief Chizoba Iheka; Nze Chinasa Nwaneri; Chief Donatus Nworgu; Chief Kingsley Omuruka; Dr Chief Deka Desmond; Hon Eugene Dibiagwu; Chief Willie Okolieogwo; Hon Emeka Iheanacho; Chief Elthelbert Okaonu; Prince Eze Ogochukwu; and Hon Chief (Mrs.) Josephine Udoji.
