Stakeholders Seek Balanced Zoning For Edo North Senate Seat

Stakeholders in Edo North Senatorial District have renewed calls for greater political inclusion of Owan West in the district’s senatorial rotation arrangement ahead of the 2031 elections.

The growing advocacy is centred on demands for what supporters describe as a fair and balanced zoning structure capable of strengthening political equity and inclusive representation across Edo North.

Entrepreneur and community leader, Festus Uwakhemen Asikhia, has emerged as one of the prominent voices associated with the push for stronger representation for Owan West in the district’s political arrangement.

Supporters of the agitation argued that since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the Owan axis has remained largely underrepresented in the Edo North senatorial configuration, creating what they described as a long-standing imbalance in political participation and leadership opportunities.

They maintained that while power rotation in Edo State has broadly revolved around the Benin, Esan and Etsako blocs, there is a need for greater inclusiveness within the senatorial districts to ensure fairness among constituent local government areas.

According to stakeholders backing the demand, Owan West’s population strength, strategic importance and contributions to the socio-economic and political development of Edo North justify stronger representation at the national level.

They further noted that Owan West has not produced a senator for Edo North since 1999, insisting that future zoning considerations should address the perceived imbalance in the interest of equity and political stability.

Asikhia, who is being projected by supporters as a development-oriented leader, is also described as an advocate of inclusive governance, youth empowerment, improved infrastructure, education and healthcare development across Edo North.

Stakeholders also commended his support for peaceful political engagement and structured zoning arrangements aimed at promoting unity among the six local government areas in Edo North, namely Akoko-Edo, Etsako Central, Etsako East, Etsako West, Owan East and Owan West.

They called for wider consultations among political actors, party stakeholders and community leaders ahead of future zoning decisions, stressing that competence, fairness and inclusiveness should guide the process.

According to proponents of the Owan West agenda, balanced representation remains critical to strengthening democratic governance and promoting equitable development across Edo North Senatorial District.