From: Directorate of Media, Publicity and Communication, Bring Back Ohakim (BBO) 2027 Organization – SIXT-MEDIA LANE
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 10 August 2025
From: Directorate of Media, Publicity and Communication, Bring Back Ohakim (BBO) 2027 Organization
For Immediate Release
RE: OUR RESPONSE TO KELECHI NWAEZE’S BASELESS ATTACK ON HIS EXCELLENCY, DR IKEDI OHAKIM
The Bring Back Ohakim (BBO) 2027 Organization has noted with utter dismay the publication by one Kelechi Nwaeze titled “Imo Owes Ohakim Nothing”. This piece, riddled with half-truths, malicious distortions, and unfounded insults, is nothing more than a sponsored hatchet job aimed at undermining the towering reputation of one of Imo State’s most accomplished leaders, His Excellency, Dr Ikedi Ohakim.
Let the record be set straight: Dr Ohakim has always been deeply grateful to the people of Imo State for their love, support, and loyalty throughout his political career — both in victory and in defeat. At no time has he, privately or publicly, expressed any sense of “entitlement” to the governorship position of Imo State. Equally, Dr Ohakim has never reduced the legitimate and widely supported call for equity in governance to a personal ambition.
We remind the public that the 2011 governorship election in Imo State was marred by fraud, propaganda, and a vicious campaign of calumny. That election was, in effect, a civilian coup orchestrated by certain political and religious actors in Imo East (Owerri Zone). Some of these individuals have, over the years, openly admitted their role in that travesty — through books, media interviews, and personal apologies — which Dr Ohakim, as a statesman, graciously accepted.
The narrative of a “popular rejection” in 2011 is a fabrication designed to mask a stolen mandate. The truth is known to the people of Imo, and no amount of propaganda can rewrite it.
Unlike the loud voices hiding behind the so-called “Imo Charter of Iniquity” to justify their own political entitlement, Dr Ohakim has consistently maintained that leadership succession should be left to the people’s free choice at the appropriate time.
We also state, for absolute clarity, that Dr Ohakim has not declared any interest in the 2027 governorship race. He has made it clear that the incumbent, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma, should be given the full space to complete his tenure and finish strong. This is the position of a disciplined and responsible leader — not that of a desperate man.
However, the constitutional rights of Imo citizens, at home and abroad, to call for the restoration of Dr Ohakim’s second term cannot and will not be trampled upon by any self-appointed political gatekeeper. When the time comes, it will equally be Dr Ohakim’s constitutional right to contest if he so chooses — and no amount of cheap insults or sponsored smear campaigns can take away that right.
The BBO 2027 Organization stands firmly behind Dr Ohakim. His record in office remains unmatched in reform, vision, and development. He does not need to cling to relevance — his legacy ensures it.
We urge the people of Imo State to treat Kelechi Nwaeze’s article for what it is: a desperate, poorly disguised attempt to mislead the public and tarnish a leader whose place in Imo’s history is secure. The people know their history, they know their leaders, and they will decide their future — free from lies, manipulation, and political blackmail.
The Bring Back Ohakim Organization will not be distracted. We remain focused on defending truth, promoting equity, and standing with the people of Imo State as they work towards a fairer, stronger, and more prosperous future.
SIGNED:
Dubem Okafor PhD (Oxford),
Spokesperson, BBO 2027 Organization
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