By Anthony Iwuoma
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I came across a puerile, timidly authored publication on the analysis of the 2027 Imo Senate races, which attempts to provide an overview of the three senatorial districts in the state.
However, its treatment of Okigwe Zone (Imo North) makes it a deadbeat and laughable. It is amateurish because it overlooks Attorney Charles Onyirimba, a major contender whose growing profile has become central to political discourse across the district.
Funnily, the publication almost hides its author’s identity, creating the impression that the writer lacks the courage to stand openly behind the views expressed.
Indeed, no objective assessment of the Imo North contest should reduce the race to only Senator Patrick Ndubueze and High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu while excluding a candidate many regard as a frontrunner. Whether one supports him or not, Attorney Charles Onyirimba has become a significant factor in the unfolding political landscape. Omitting him is juvenile and leaves readers with an incomplete picture of the contest.
What distinguishes Attorney Charles Onyirimba is not merely political ambition but the profile he brings to the race. As a legal practitioner with international exposure, he has consistently projected a vision anchored on quality legislation, youth empowerment, women’s development, economic growth, education, and accountable representation. His grassroots engagement and accessibility have continued to attract support from across the six local government areas of Okigwe Zone, making him a figure that any balanced political analysis should acknowledge.
Ti be fair to Senator Patrick Ndubueze, he deserves recognition for his service and the modest achievements recorded during his tenure. This writer is not one to dismiss him because it is self-evident that he has his good points and also done his best. Every period of public service contributes something to the development of society and should be respected.
At the same time, however, democracy thrives on renewal. Many voters believe that Okigwe Zone has reached a point where fresh energy, broader ideas, and a new style of representation are required without rubbishing the incumbent. In that context, it may be appropriate for the Senator to conclude his public service with dignity and allow a new generation of leadership to take the mantle.
As regards High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, every aspirant has the democratic right to seek elective office. Nevertheless, political reality requires a careful assessment of electoral viability. Expectations should remain measured where a political platform faces uncertainty or internal challenges affecting its participation in the election. Until the electoral process is fully settled, it is premature to elevate such a platform that is not even sure of being on the ballot to the status of a leading forc.
Ultimately, the Imo North Senate election should not be framed simply as a contest between incumbency and opposition. It should be about competence, credibility, vision, integrity, and the capacity to provide effective representation. By those standards, Attorney Charles Onyirimba deserves to be part of every credible conversation on the future of Okigwe Zone. Putting all the contenders side by side, it doesn’t require much scrutiny to spot Onyirimba’s blazing distinction
Any analysis that ignores him risks presenting a hare-brained narrative rather than a balanced assessment of one of the state’s most important senatorial contests.
Worthy of note is the need for all stakeholders to conduct the 2027 Imo North Senatorial campaign with maturity, civility, and professionalism. Elections should be contests of ideas, vision, and competence, not platforms for creating unnecessary acrimony, division, or personal enmity.
Political analysis should enlighten the electorate, not inflame passions or promote narratives that needlessly provoke supporters of one candidate against another.
Analyses that deliberately ignore major contenders or present a selective picture of the race do little to strengthen democracy. Rather than inform, they risk misleading the public and deepening avoidable political tension.
Every aspirant deserves to be assessed fairly on merit, experience, character, and the quality of ideas presented to the people. Robust debate is healthy, but it must remain factual, balanced, and respectful.
Above all, the people of Okigwe Zone should remain the ultimate winners. Whether one candidate triumphs or another falls, the shared objective must be the progress and prosperity of Okigwe.
Political contests are temporary, but the bonds of community endure. Let us, therefore, reject provocative, sponsored analyses designed to sow discord and instead embrace issue-based engagement that elevates public discourse.
Win or lose, let Okigwe win.
Anthony Iwuoma is journalist, Columnist and political analyst
