Stakeholders of Ohafia local government area of Abia State have initiated moves to ensure a candidate from the area wins Abia North senatorial seat currently occupied by Orji Kalu in 2027.
The stakeholders comprised elders, youths, women, religious leaders, community and student leaders as well as political party members, professionals in various fields, and concerned citizens of the area.
Rising from a one-day meeting in Ohafia, the headquarters of the council, the stakeholders issued a communique, which was read by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kingsley Imaga.
The communiqué, sighted by LEADERSHIP, reads in part: “We hereby issue this communiqué on the imperative of equity, fairness, and justice in the allocation of the seat ahead of the 2027 general election.
”It is an undeniable and unfortunate reality that, despite its pivotal role in the politics and development of the district, it has never produced a senator since the inception of the state.
”This persistent exclusion is unjust and unsustainable as the area is not just one of the largest in the district in terms of population and voting strength, but also a bastion of political activity and grassroots mobilization.
”The area possess the critical mass, capable leadership, and organizational structure to not only field a competent candidate but to also deliver resounding victory for any party that supports this just cause.”
The state’s former commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources also noted that equity demands that no single area or individual continues to dominate at the expense of others.
”If Bende, Umunneochi, Isuikwuato, and Arochukwu have all had their turns, it is only fair, democratic, and morally upright that the area be given the opportunity to produce the next senator in 2027.
”We, therefore, call on all political parties, particularly the major stakeholders and power brokers within the district to honour the principle of zoning and support the area in producing the next senator,” he said.
Explaining further, the opposition PDP stalwart maintained that such an opportunity, if given, will not only reinforce unity and inclusiveness but also strengthen our democratic institutions.
According to the spokesperson their agitation is not a call for conflict or division, but a patriotic demand for balance and justice.
