Concerned citizens, youths, women, elders and political stakeholders across party lines, have risen from a crucial meeting to demand that come 2027, Ohafia Local Government Area, should be allowed to represent the Abia North District in the Senate.
The bipartisan meeting which was held at the Galaxy Hotel, Ebem Ohafia, after a wide range of consultations and deliberations, harped on the need for equity, fairness, and justice to play out in the allocation of the Abia North Senatorial seat, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a Communique signed by all concerned citizens including women, youth, elders and party chieftains of the Local Government Area, at the end of the meeting, noted that since the advent of the current democratic dispensation in 1999, Abia North Senatorial seat has rotated among the component LGAs with glaring imbalance, and clamored for equity to take its course.
According to the Communique, Isuikwuato LGA has represented Abia North once at the Senate, followed by Umunneochi LGA that went three times, while Arochukwu LGA took a turn and Bende LGA currently taking two tenures, while Ohafia nil.
The Communique read that equity demanded that no single Local Government Area or individual should continue to dominate at the expense of others, adding that If Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, Arochukwu and Bende LGAs have all had their turns, it was only fair, democratic and morally upright that Ohafia LGA be given the opportunity to produce the next Senator in 2027.
The people recounted that Ohafia LGA is not just one of the largest Local Government Areas in Abia North in terms of population and voting strength, but also a bastion of political activity and grassroots mobilization. “We 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.
“It is an undeniable and unfortunate reality that Ohafia LGA, despite its pivotal role in the politics and development of Abia North, has never produced a senator since the inception of the State. This persistent exclusion is unjust and unsustainable”, they bemoaned.
They, however, called for unity among the various clans of Ohafia LGA, stating that their demand for a Senator from Ohafia extraction, is not a call for conflict or division, but a patriotic demand for balance and justice. “We extended a hand of friendship to our brothers and sisters across the zone and we urge them to support Ohafia LGA’s legitimate aspiration. Together, we can build a stronger and more united Abia North”.
The Communique further called on all political parties, particularly the major stakeholders and power brokers within the Abia North Senatorial Zone, to honour the principle of zoning and support Ohafia LGA in producing the next senator, emphasizing that the move would not only reinforce unity and inclusiveness but also strengthen democratic institutions across Abia North.
” The time has come. After over two decades of patience, contribution, and loyalty to the democratic process, Ohafia LGA deserves a chance to serve. Let justice lead. Let fairness prevail. Let 2027 be the year Ohafia LGA takes its rightful place in the Senate”, it concluded.
In his speech, the Convener and the South East PDP Legal Adviser, Barr Kingsley Imaga, said the meeting was a come together for all Ohafia LGA sons and daughters across party lines to engage in sincere dialogue before taking the resolutions back to their respective political groups.
Imaga disclosed that the meeting was solely in the best interest of the entire Ohafia Local Government Area, with the agenda to reawake the consciousness of those concerned.
He said a review of the Abia North political journey since 1999 showed a clear pattern where the other four LGAs in Abia North Senatorial District have had turns at the Red Chamber, except the Ohafia LGA.
According to him, Isuikwuato had produced a senator for four years, followed by Umunneochi LGA that held the position for twelve years. He added that Arochukwu held the position for four years and it moved to Bende, where the senator is currently serving for eight years.
He asked Ohafia Local Government Area, where they are, in spite of being described as the headquarters of Abia North, and having large population and voting strength. “This is not about individual ambition, it is about our collective interest and political equity.
We have not been given our fair share. So again, Ohafia, where do we stand and more importantly, where do we want to be”, he asked?
The Convener further disclosed that the gathering was not a campaign or endorsement for any candidate, as it was not yet time, adding that the meeting was basically to reawake the political consciousness and begin a conversation rooted in justice and fairness.
He added that the area has qualified and competent individuals across the various communities of Nkporo, Abiriba, Ohafia, and others, that are capable of delivering quality representation. “This is not about sectional interests but about the collective aspirations of all who belong to Ohafia LGA.
“This is not intended to provoke conflict. Rather, it is a peaceful and principled call for balance and fairness. In the spirit of equity, and as stakeholders in the political future of Abia North, we believe it is time for Ohafia to be given the opportunity to represent the senatorial district in the National Assembly”, he remarked.
The Legal Luminary also called for unity of purpose, urging Ohafia citizens to unite in one voice, demanding for their rightful turn of producing an Ohafia Senator, stating that they have no one at heart, but whoever eventually emerges, will be accepted by the entirety of Ohafia LGA.
Responding, the co-convener and a former Commissioner in the State, Hon Chidiebere Uwagwu, restated that the meeting was not an endorsement of any candidate but a move to get the prerogative right of Ohafia LGA.
In their various speeches, Gabriel Idika Ukaegbu, Oliver Onuoha Igwe, Rev Dr Onyema Agbai, among other concerned citizens of Ohafia LGA who attended the meeting, called for justice and inclusiveness in the zoning of the Abia North Senatorial seat, while harping on the area to come together in unity to achieve their goal.
