Photo: Hon Uche Odunzeh
By: Mandy Park
A frontline aspirant for the Orlu Senatorial District, Hon. Uche Ben Odunzeh, has strongly condemned a reported move by a group, Orlu’ Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA), seeking to bar other contenders from challenging Hope Uzodimma for the district’s 2027 senatorial seat.
In a statement, Odunzeh described the directive—allegedly aimed at positioning the Imo State governor as a “sole and unopposed consensus candidate”—as undemocratic, repressive, and a violation of the principles of fair political competition.
He warned that such actions could heighten political tensions and potentially trigger unrest in Orlu Zone if not addressed promptly.
Odunzeh dismissed those behind the OPOCA declaration as “faceless actors” who do not reflect the will or aspirations of the people of the zone.
He insisted that no group or association has the legal authority to restrict eligible aspirants from exercising their constitutional rights.
Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the aspirant stressed that the rights to vote and to be voted for are fundamental freedoms guaranteed to all citizens and cannot be curtailed by any political arrangement or informal consensus.
He further argued that attempts to impose a sole candidate undermine internal party democracy and effectively disenfranchise voters, depriving them of the opportunity to choose their representatives through a credible electoral process.
“Free, fair, and transparent elections remain the cornerstone of any democratic system,” Odunzeh said, noting that Orlu Zone has, over the years, grappled with flawed electoral processes, frequent pre- and post-election litigations, and leadership outcomes that have not always reflected the true will of the people.
According to him, these recurring challenges have contributed to governance deficits and slowed development across the zone.
To address the situation, Odunzeh called on socio-political organisations in Orlu to uphold constitutional provisions and refrain from actions or rhetoric capable of inciting division, discrimination, or violence.
He maintained that the people of Orlu Zone must be allowed to freely determine their political future without coercion, intimidation, or imposed arrangements.
The aspirant also urged security agencies and electoral authorities, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, to closely monitor developments and ensure that the 2027 electoral process remains open, credible, and inclusive.
As political realignments begin ahead of the next general elections, analysts say debates over zoning, consensus candidacy, and internal democracy are likely to shape party dynamics in Imo State and beyond.
