In Ado/Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo federal constituency in Benue State, the principle of zoning remains one of the most trusted instruments for fostering equity, political stability, and inclusive representation. As the 2027 electoral cycle approaches, stakeholders across party lines must recommit to this gentleman’s agreement by upholding the rotation of the House of Representatives seat to Ado Zone A.
Zoning as a Pillar of Fairness and Unity in Enone.
The Enone zone is traditionally comprised of three local government areas of Ado,Ogbadibo and Okpokwu. Within each of these LGA’s there is a further division into political zones. For Ado LGA,it is Zones A and B for the purpose of power rotation and balanced development. Zone B comprises of Apa-Agila, Akpoge-Ogbilolo, Ekile, Ijigbam and Ulayi wards while Zone A is made of Igumale ward 1, Igumale ward 2, Ogege, Royongo and Ukwonyo wards This arrangement was adopted by community leaders and political stakeholders to prevent marginalization and reduce the acrimony that often trails elections.Since the return to democracy in 1999, the House of Representatives seat has rotated among these three LGAs ensuring that every section of Enone has a sense of belonging in Nigeria’s federal legislature.
The cycle has gone round and it is still the turn of Ado to complete one more term and give room for the other LGAs to produce the next HOR member. But in Ado,records show that Zone B have produced three HoR members in. Hon. Bernard Akpowo Ochepa from Agila, Hon.Dr. Francis Ottah2027 Agbo from Ijigbam and the incumbent, Chief Phillip Agbese also from Agila. Zone A has⁷8 only produced Hon. Sam Obande from Igumale . Giong ny current political postulations and B=by the spirit and letter of the zoning arrangement, it is now the turn of Ado Zone A to present credible candidates for the Green Chamber in 2027. To deviate from this understanding now would undermine trust, breed disaffection, and set a dangerous precedent for future contests.
THE CASE FOR ADO ZONE A IN 2027
Zone A comprises of Igumale ward 1, Igumale ward 2, Ogege ward, Royongo ward and Ukwonyo ward. These wards posses the highest voting popoulation in Ado with a huge voting population and a long history of political participation. Despite its contributions to the electoral victories of candidates from other zones, Zone A has patiently waited for its turn since the coming of democracy.
Beyond equity, Zone A has competent, tested leaders with legislative capacity, grassroots connection, and the vision to address Ado’s and in general Enone’s pressing needs — youth unemployment, poor rural roads, insecurity within and along border communities, underfunded primary healthcare, lack of social amenities, youth restiveness etc. Denying the zone its turn is not just a breach of zoning; it is a denial of quality representation to the entire Ado Zone A.
ZONING DOES NOT SACRIFICE COMPETENCE
Critics of zoning often argue that it limits choice. The experience in Enone and Ado LGA in particular proves otherwise. Each time a zone produced the Reps member, it presented multiple qualified aspirants for party primaries and general elections. Zoning in Ado has never been about imposing mediocrity; it has been about locating competence within an agreed area to ensure fairness.
Zone A today boasts of professionals, former appointees, party executives, and community advocates who can hold their own in the National Assembly. The task before political parties —, APC, LP, PDP, APGA, and others — is to conduct transparent primaries,chose interested aspirant from within Zone A and allow the best to emerge.
THE UFIA AGENDA: LET UFIA PRODUCE THE NEXT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEMBER FOR ADO/OKPOKWU/OGBADIBO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY- A CALL FOR EQUITY, JUSTICE, AND INCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION.
The people of Ufia Kingdom, Utonkon District, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State deserves the next term in office for the House of representaives position.,This solemn and urgent call is in line with the general call for equity and justice in the political representation of our federal constituency.While Ado is to produce the next HOR, the facts are clear that it is the turn of Zone A and particularly the Ufia people. This is anchored on the following facts:
I.Historical Marginalization: Since the creation of Nigeria and the subsequent return to democracy in 1999, Ufia/Utonkon — one of the five foundational districts of Ado LGA — has never produced a member to represent Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives. Power has rotated among other districts while Ufia has remained on the sidelines. A peep into the archives revealed that Hon. Bernard Akpowo Ochepa ( from Agila, Zone B), Hon. Sam Obande (from Igumale Zone A), Hon, Dr, Francis Ottah Agbo ( from Ijigbam, Zone B) and the incumbent Hon. Philip Agbese ( from Apa-Agila Zone B. It is therefore very imperative that the next HOR member for the Enone community must cime from Zone A and particularly from Utonkon district.
II.Population & Contribution: Ufia is a major population and voting bloc in Ado LGA. Our sons and daughters turn out in large numbers during elections, pay taxes, and contribute to the peace and development of Benue State. Yet we are denied the opportunity to serve at the federal level. We have never had the opportunity for any Ufia man to serve at the National assembly or occupy a position an important position at National level. Yet our votes decides who becomes what in Ado but in terms of development, we get nothing.
III.Development Deficit: Political exclusion has consequences. The absence of federal representation in Ufia land has translated to fewer federal projects, appointments, and attention to the unique challenges of our people — from infrastructure to youth employment.Our demand is simple and just:
As 2027 approaches, we call on all political parties, stakeholders, and the good people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo LGAs to uphold the principles of fairness, inclusion, and rotational justice. It is time for Ufia/Utonkon to produce the next House of Representatives member for this constituency.This is not a call for charity. It is a call for equity. IT IS OUR TURN! Party primaries and zoning arrangements ahead of 2027 will determine if Ufia gets a serious shot.Democracy thrives when every component part has a voice. The continued exclusion of Ufia people undermines the spirit of brotherhood that binds our federal constituency.We therefore:Urge political parties to zone their House of Reps ticket to Ado Zone A and to further micro zone it to Utonkon/Ufia for 2027. I Call on our brothers and sisters in Okpokwu and Ogbadibo to support this cause in the interest of justice, equity and fairness.
APPEAL TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT: On behalf of the concerned Ufia youths and our teeming population, I hereby appeal to the Benue State Governmen through His Excellency the Exective Governor-Very Rev, Fr.Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, His deputy Hon. Barrister Sam Odeh, traditional rulers, and elder statesmen to intervene and ensure political balance .Ufia has competent, qualified men and women with the capacity to deliver quality representation and bring federal dividends to all parts of the Enone federal constituency. Give us a chance to serve. Justice delayed is development denied. Let equity speak in 2027.
A CALL TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS
As poltical parties intensify their preparations for the next general elections in 2027, it becomes very imperative that all stakeholders speak the truth and ensure that:
1. All political party leaders in Ado LGA publicly reaffirm its commitment to the zoning arrangement and restrict the nomination of candidates for the House of Reps to aspirants from Zone A.
2. Elders and traditional rulers to caution against external interference that could destabilize the LGA’s long-standing equilibrium.
3. Aspirants from Zones B to respect the principle, support Zone A, and prepare for future cycles when it rotates back.
4. Youths and women groups to resist being used to truncate zoning, as its breakdown hurts the most vulnerable. Sharing of rice, oil, maggi/salt, caps, T-shirts and wrappers are not the real dividends of democracy that will develop our land. What we all crave for is the provision of good infrastructure including rural roads, refurbished schools, educational scholarships, improved healthcare delivery system, security of lives and properties, local business financing, Agricultural loans/subsidies etc.
CONCLUSION:
Democracy thrives when agreements are kept. Zoning has given Ado LGA peace, spread representation, and strengthened party loyalty. As 2027 draws near, upholding the turn of Zone A is not a favor to one group — it is justice, it is precedent, and it is the surest path to unity.
Let all stakeholders in Ado LGA and Enone in general rise above personal ambition and stand on the side of equity, justice and fair. Zone A’s turn is now and the Ufia man is very much ready.
Dr. John Ade Iguve
( B.Sc, M.D., MPH, cLMiH, CPM)
Concerned Ufia son.
Attention:
His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State
His Excellency, the deputy Governor of Benue State
The Executive chairmen of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo
The Chairmen of all major political parties in Enone
Elder Statesmen and leaders from the Zone
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