Leaders and chairmanship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Axis II of Owan East local government area have called on Governor Monday Okpebholo and the party leadership to uphold equity, fairness and rotation in the selection of the next local government chairman.
During a press conference held in Owan East, Edo State, the group, under the aegis of Forum of Axis
Two APC Chairmanship Aspirants and Leaders, expressed deep concerns over what they described as a longstanding political marginalisation of Axis II communities.
Barr Olatunde James Otoikhila, alongside other key party figures and aspirants, cited the long-established rotational agreement between Axes one and two of Owan East, covering 11 wards.
They said the rotational structure was designed to alternate key political offices between the two blocs.
According to the group, this arrangement has been flagrantly disregarded in recent years, with Axis One producing eight chairmen since 1999 compared to only three from Axis two. They also decried the domination of Axis One in major political appointments, both at the state and federal levels.
“Since 2018, the chairmanship seat has remained in Ihievbe community of Axis One for three consecutive terms, with the possibility of a fourth. This would mean one community controls the chairmanship for 12 uninterrupted years,” Otoikhila stated
The leaders argued that such imbalance threatens party unity and grassroots loyalty, especially since Axis Two reportedly contributes the bulk of APC votes in the local government.
They also warned that continuing this pattern would weaken APC’s grassroots base, breed political apathy, and potentially affect the party’s performance in future elections.
“We are not here to beg. We are here to demand what is just, fair, and long agreed upon.
“Loyalty must not be mistaken for weakness. Axis Two says: Enough is enough. Equity must prevail,” they declared.
Leaders and aspirants in attendance include Hon Justin Besta Ozeoya, Pastor Philip Imoukhuede, Dr Gavin Daudu, Dr Godwin Aidenagbo and Dr Dennis Oyakhire.
