PRESS RELEASE FROM OWERRI ZONE POLITICAL LEADERS FORUM (OZOPOLF) ON THE REPORTED DEFECTION OF SOME APC MEMBERS TO THE MAZI MOVEMENT
The Owerri Zone Political Leaders Forum (OZOPOLF) has taken note of reports that some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to The Mazi Movement led by Chief Chima Matthew Amadi. While OZOPOLF acknowledges that every son and daughter of Owerri Zone has the right to aspire to the governorship seat of Imo State, such aspirations must be pursued in good faith, with unity and strategic collaboration, rather than through actions that antagonize those who have stood for equity and fairness.
It is important to remind all well-meaning stakeholders that the quest for an Owerri Zone governor in 2027 is not the brainchild of Chief Chima Amadi or any self-acclaimed political movement. This noble cause was initiated by Governor Hope Uzodimma himself, a man of fairness and justice, who recognizes the need for equity in the governance of Imo State. At various times, Governor Uzodimma has demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that power rotates to Owerri Zone in the spirit of justice and inclusivity.
In furtherance of this cause, prominent leaders of goodwill from Orlu Zone, including President Generals and other respected stakeholders, have thrown their weight behind the vision of His Excellency, urging aspirants from other zones to step aside in the interest of fairness. Given this overwhelming show of support, it would amount to a betrayal of that goodwill if those for whom the governor is fighting for, now turn around to fight him. Rather than isolating Owerri Zone or turning allies into adversaries, we should be consolidating the support we have received and building stronger bridges with Orlu and Okigwe Zones.
Therefore, it is both disingenuous and politically reckless for anyone, under any guise, to attempt to undermine the very man whose vision for a just and equitable Imo State they are now trying to exploit. Those defecting to The Mazi Movement, with the sole aim of embarrassing Governor Hope Uzodimma, must understand that Owerri Zone cannot afford to alienate itself from the rest of the state. The support of our brothers and sisters from Orlu and Okigwe Zones is crucial to our success, and this is not the time to sow seeds of discord or create unnecessary enmity.
OZOPOLF unequivocally condemns any attempt—whether through misguided rhetoric, political sabotage, or outright propaganda—to attack the person of Governor Hope Uzodimma. Such actions are counterproductive and will only serve to antagonize the very people whose goodwill Owerri Zone needs to actualize its rightful claim to the governorship seat in 2027. Those engaging in such reckless politics are the real enemies of Owerri Zone, as they are deliberately trying to turn other zones against us, thereby jeopardizing our collective ambition.
The task before us as a people is clear: to work in unity with Orlu and Okigwe Zones and, through broad-based consultations, await whoever the governor chooses from our zone, to build on the remarkable achievements of Governor Uzodimma. Everyone is free to join whatever movement they choose, and every son and daughter of Owerri Zone is free to contest for the governorship seat. However, rather than looking for ways to antagonize the governor and alienate those who are supporting our cause, aspirants should focus on selling their vision and agenda to Ndi Imo. Let the people judge based on competence, ideas, and capacity, not on divisive and ill-advised attacks.
OZOPOLF remains committed to working with stakeholders across the three zones of Imo State to ensure that the best candidate emerges from Owerri Zone—one who will build on the progress already made and move Imo forward. We call on all true stakeholders of Owerri Zone to remain steadfast, focused, and committed to the larger goal. The road to the governorship requires strategic engagement, bridge-building, and political maturity—not desperation and antagonism. Let it be known that OZOPOLF will resist any attempt to derail this mission with divisive and self-serving politics.
Signed,
Prince Charls Amadi
President General
Owerri Zone Political Leaders Forum (OZOPOLF)
