Ahead of 2027 General Elections:
Isu Nation Declares Political Readiness, as Dr. T. J. Ehirim Signals Imo
Governorship Ambition
By Kelechi Ugo
The Isu Nation of Imo State has declared its renewed political consciousness and readiness to assume leadership in the state, as a prominent son of the soil, Chief Dr. Tobechukwu Justice Ehirim (Ph.D), formally indicated interest in the Imo State governorship race ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This declaration emerged from deliberations at the 2025 Isu Nation Christmas Conclave, held on December 29, 2025, in Owerri, where leaders, professionals, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders of Isu extraction gathered to reassess the historical, political, and economic positioning of the Isu people within Imo State and the wider Igboland.
In an address presented by Dr. Ehirim, he described the Isu people as autochthonous Igbo agrarian communities, historically known for agriculture, trade, resilience, and spirituality. According to him, Isu communities played a significant role in the pre-colonial economy of the Malabo–Congo Basin and were deeply involved in inter-regional trade prior to the trans-Atlantic slave era.
He noted that the strength, discipline, and productivity of the Isu people made them prime targets during the slave trade, a development that left enduring social and demographic consequences. He further observed that colonial and post-colonial administrative arrangements fragmented Isu lands and communities, weakening their collective political influence.
Despite being the largest single clan in Imo State, Dr. Ehirim lamented that the Isu Nation remains politically under-represented. He explained that Isu communities are spread across Isu, Njaba, Nwangele, Nkwerre, and Orlu Local Government Areas, with additional populations in Onuimo, Mbano, and Owerri zones.
Ironically, he noted, Orlu Zone—the most populous zone in Imo State—derives much of its demographic strength from Isu communities, yet no autochthonous Isu man or woman has ever served as Governor or Senator in the history of the state.
“This political anomaly is not due to a lack of qualified individuals,” he said, “but rather a combination of historical marginalisation, administrative balkanisation, and insufficient political self-assertion.”
Dr. Ehirim highlighted the contributions of Isu sons and daughters to Nigeria’s development across academia, commerce, sports, administration, and politics. He cited notable figures such as King Jaja of Opobo, international boxing legend Dick Tiger, Prof. Walter Ofonagoro (former Minister of Information), Prof. Awuzie (first Isu Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University), as well as several distinguished professors, legislators, technocrats, and traditional rulers.
He added that in contemporary politics, Isu indigenes continue to serve at high levels, including the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, commissioners, party leaders, and senior government officials.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the conclave called on Isu people to actively participate in voter registration, party politics, and the electoral process, stressing that political power is attained through organisation, unity, and active participation.
Participants urged Isu communities to rally behind credible sons and daughters seeking elective and appointive positions, declaring that the clan is no longer content with playing supporting roles in Imo politics.
Among those poised to step forward is Chief Dr. Tobechukwu Justice Ehirim, a pharmacist, academic, administrator, and community leader, who expressed readiness to serve Imo State as governor if given the mandate.
Dr. Ehirim described his aspiration as part of a broader movement to reposition the Isu Nation as a central stakeholder in Imo politics, anchored on inclusive governance, infrastructural development, economic revitalisation, and cultural renaissance for the benefit of all Imo citizens.
While commending the Hope Uzodinma administration for its infrastructural strides, particularly in road construction, the Isu Nation appealed for more equitable distribution of development projects, citing roads such as the Umuakah–Umundugba–Mgbabano axis and other critical link roads across Isu communities.
Diaspora organisations, including the Orlu Regional Assembly (USA) and the Isu Commonwealth in the United States, were encouraged to intensify development interventions in Isu land.
Earlier, the President-General of the Isu Nation Convention, Chief Batos Chigozie Nwadike, insisted that it is the turn of the Isu clan to produce the next Governor of Imo State in the 2027 governorship election.
Also speaking, the member representing Isu, Njaba, Nwangele, and Nkwerre Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Harrison, pledged to lead Dr. Ehirim to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), expressing confidence that his ambition would be realised on that platform.
In his remarks, Prof. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, an APC chieftain, stated that political parties may no longer be decisive in the 2027 elections, arguing that voters are increasingly focused on credibility and competence.
“Political parties may not determine who wins in 2027,” he said. “Isu Nation has been marginalised for too long. If Isu people adopt a sole candidate, they will produce the next Governor of Imo State.”
The highlight of the conclave was the unanimous adoption of a motion to designate December 29 of every year as the official date for the Isu Nation Christmas Conclave, as moved by the National Publicity Secretary of the socio-political group, Chief Emeka Uzowuihe.
The conclave ended with a clear message: the Isu Nation is ready to lead, having served Imo State in various capacities for decades and now seeking a fair opportunity to occupy the highest office and help shape the state’s future.
