As political permutations ahead of the 2027 Imo gubernatorial election intensify, Dr. Ndubueze Muoneke has made a compelling case for Orlu Zone’s full participation in the race, declaring that no zone, especially IMO West should be bullied out of contention on the altar of a so-called "charter of equity." In a strongly worded statement, Muoneke insisted that the idea of zoning lacks historical and political relevance in the context of Imo politics, particularly with reference to Orlu’s long-standing political behavior and contributions.
According to Muoneke, political history in Imo State reveals a pattern of merit-based leadership rather than adherence to zoning principles. He noted that key political milestones, from Mbakwe’s victory facilitated by Ndi Orlu at the expense of Chief Collins Obi, to the rise of Evans Enwerem over Douglas Acholonu, have always been shaped by strategic alliances and grassroots mobilization rather than zoning agreements. He also pointed out that neither Rochas Okorocha nor Hope Uzodimma rode to power on the back of Orlu solidarity, further debunking the zoning argument.
Muoneke emphasized that the emergence of Achike Udenwa in 1999 was not a product of any charter of equity but a doctrine of necessity, following earlier leadership by Okigwe and Owerri sons. He argued that if equity had indeed been binding, notable Orlu aspirants like Eze Festus Odimegwu, Tony Ezenna and Hope Uzodunma would not have contested when they did. "Confident politicians do not need a charter of equity to make impact or win elections," he asserted.
Shifting focus to the developmental imbalance in the state, Muoneke decried the over-concentration of economic and infrastructural growth in Owerri. He called for a renewed vision where Orlu and Okigwe are transformed into thriving cosmopolitan cities. “Every zone should present strong economic multipliers viable enough to democratize development and reduce overreliance on Owerri,” he said.
Lastly, Muoneke equivocally challenged proponents of zoning to back their arguments with action, stating that serious contenders like Dr. Matthew Amadi, Chief Charles Orie, and a certain focused senator are already vigorously campaigning across the state without relying on equity narratives. He warned that Douglas House must not be seen as a handout, urging that whoever seeks to occupy it in 2027 must be ready for a tough, demanding political journey. “Onye Orlu must be on the Douglas House 2027 ballot by all means humanly possible,” he declared.
Consequently, analyzing Dr Muoneke’s submission, political pundits averred that it gave credence to the earlier position of Sir Fidel Anujuo, who cautioned that until Imolites are able to discern the difference between rotation as discussed in 1998 at Iwuanyawu's Glass House and the current controversial charter of equity, which is breeding discord because of its elitist position, and instead discuss development imbalance in the allocation of scarce resources, the current discord will not abate
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