The North Ivie zone, comprising Imiegba, Itsukwi, Imiakebu, and Okpekpe communities, has called on political stakeholders to zone the Etsako East local government chairmanship seat to the area for the 2026 elections in Edo State.
The zone argued that since Nigeria’s return to democracy, North Ivie has only produced the council chairman once, despite consistently supporting successive governments for over two decades.
North Ivie, a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC), voted massively in the last governorship election for Senator Monday Okpebholo but has often been overlooked in key elective positions.
The convener of the North Ivie People’s Voice, Abdullahi Shaibu, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, urged political leaders to reward the zone’s loyalty by ceding the chairmanship to them.
Titled “Etsako East LGA Election: North Ivie Zone is Unanimous in its Chairmanship Demands,” the group said the call represents the collective decision of the people.
“Both the elderly and younger generations of Ivie are united in one voice: the time has come for equity, fairness, and justice. Since 1999, the zone has only occupied the chairmanship seat for one year and three months through our daughter, Hon. Benedicta Attoh, who was later removed from office,” the statement read.
“This shows the clear marginalisation Ivie has suffered not only at the local government level but also at the state level. It is only fair and just that the next chairmanship of Etsako East LGA should be zoned to Ivie.
“We appeal to our leaders and political actors across Etsako East to recognise this historical injustice and correct it. This is not just about Ivie—it is about building a stronger, united, and equitable Etsako East where every zone has a sense of belonging.
“In light of this, we call on all qualified sons and daughters of Ivie to boldly declare their ambition for the chairmanship seat. The time has come for Ivie to take its rightful place in the leadership of Etsako East.” Shaibu stated.
