Joel Ajayi
The attention of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Benue State Chapter, has been drawn to the ongoing public debate regarding the zoning arrangement of the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency—popularly known as the Enone Federal Constituency—as preparations for the 2027 General Elections gather momentum.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by the State Chairman of APGA, Comrade Ogli Joseph Inalegwu, the party emphasized its unwavering commitment to fairness, equity, and justice in democratic representation. APGA considers it necessary to clarify the historical background of the zoning arrangement and reaffirm the popular and logical position that Okpokwu Local Government Area is next in line to produce the representative for the Enone Federal Constituency in 2027.
At the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the political leadership of Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas reached a mutual understanding to rotate the House of Representatives seat among the three councils in a two-term (eight-year) cycle. This gentleman’s agreement was designed to promote inclusivity, stability, and balanced representation within the Enone political family.
Under this arrangement, Ado Local Government took the first turn in 1999 with Ambassador Sam Obande, whose second term was unfortunately cut short due to internal political disagreements. To maintain consistency in the zoning pattern, political leaders at the time resolved that the incomplete tenure of Ambassador Obande should not be counted in the rotation.
Subsequently, the mantle of representation moved to Okpokwu Local Government, producing Hon. David Idoko, who served two full terms from 2003 to 2011. After Okpokwu’s tenure, the seat rotated to Ogbadibo Local Government, represented by Hon. Hassan Saleh between 2011 and 2019. In 2019, the position returned to Ado Local Government with Hon. Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo, who served one term (2019–2023). The current representative, Hon. Chief Philip Agbese, also hails from Ado, continuing that phase of the zoning cycle.
In keeping with the spirit and letter of the rotation agreement, the next turn in 2027 rightly belongs to Okpokwu Local Government Area. This conclusion is not only logical but also consistent with the principles of fairness and continuity upon which the zoning formula was founded. The arrangement was never designed to favour any individual or political party, but rather to ensure that no Local Government Area dominates the others in political representation.
Having last produced a member of the House of Representatives sixteen years ago, Okpokwu is, by every measure of equity and justice, due for its rightful turn in 2027.
While APGA recognizes and respects the ambitions of all political actors within the Enone Constituency, it firmly cautions against any attempt to manipulate or distort the zoning arrangement for selfish or partisan purposes. Over the years, zoning has proven to be an effective mechanism for managing political competition and maintaining peace among diverse communities. Undermining it would amount to betraying the mutual trust and understanding that have sustained the Enone family for over two decades.
As a people-oriented and justice-driven political platform, APGA reaffirms its commitment to rotational equity as a cornerstone of fair representation. The party therefore calls on all political leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and stakeholders across the three Local Government Areas to respect this long-standing understanding and work collectively toward a smooth transition that reflects the shared will of the people.
The unity and progress of Enone depend on our collective commitment to justice, equity, and mutual respect. Accordingly, APGA reiterates its clear and principled position: In 2027, Okpokwu Local Government Area is the rightful zone to produce the next member of the House of Representatives for the Enone Federal Constituency.
Consequently, APGA advises all aspirants from Ado and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas to respectfully step aside from the 2027 House of Representatives race. The party has taken a firm decision that its House of Representatives ticket for the Enone Federal Constituency will be reserved exclusively for a competent and credible candidate from Okpokwu Local Government Area.
