By Folayimika Akanbi
All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Ekiti Kwara have written the leadership of the party, demanding that the ticket of the party for House of Representatives seat for Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency in 2027 general elections be zoned to their region.
In what was referred to as “marginalization of the axis” within the last 28 years, Ekiti Kwara stakeholders urged the party to address the imbalance and injustice the zone had suffered within the period under review.
They made the demand in their petition, alleging the Igbomina with just two local governments of dominating the political space of the House of Representatives seat.
Those, who signed the petition that was addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, include former Chairman of Ekiti Local Government, Alhaji Hon. Olaiya Bello; former Chairman of Oke-Ero Local Government, Hon. Aminat Folake Yusuf; and another one-time Chairman of Ekiti Local Government, Hon. Dele A. Abiodun.
In the copy of the petition made available to Journalists in Ilorin on Saturday, they urged the party leadership to urgently address the matter and give the people of Kwara Ekiti the opportunity to produce a competent and credible candidate for the Green Chamber seat.
They noted that such opportunity would correct “a historical injustice, strengthen unity within the constituency and restore the confidence of the people in the fairness and sincerity of the APC leadership.
The stakeholders pleaded that their demand was not to create division among the ethnic groups within the constituency, but instead, would address justice that would again promote fairness and inclusive participation in the democratic process.
They said, “We remain committed to peaceful engagement, party loyalty and collective progress.”
They also expressed confidence in the wisdom and sense of fairness of the party leadership, adding that they were hopeful their appeal would receive urgent and favourable consideration.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of our Igbomina brothers and sisters to the political development of the constituency, the prolonged monopoly of the seat has created serious imbalance that contradicts the principle of equity, justice, fairness and inclusiveness upon which democracy thrives.
“The consequences of this marginalization have been enormous on the Kwara Ekiti people. Politically, our people have become increasingly disillusioned and alienated from the political process.
“Developmentally, the absence of representation has weakened our voice in the allocation of opportunities, infrastructural projects, appointments and other democratic dividends that ordinarily should reach every component of the constituency fairly.
“It is painful that an entire ethnic bloc within the constituency has not been considered worthy of producing a representative for nearly three decades, despite our consistent loyalty, electoral contributions and commitment to the growth and success of the party at all levels,” they lamented.
They affirmed that sustainable peace, unity and electoral strength can only be achieved where every section of the constituency feels a sense of belonging.
“Equity is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is the foundation of enduring political stability and mutual trust,” they said.
They, therefore, passionately appeal to the leadership of the party to urgently address the imbalance and suppor the emergence of a competent and credible candidate from Kwara Ekiti for the forthcoming House of Representatives election.
“Such a decision will not only correct historical injustice but will also strengthen the unity of the constituency and restore the confidence of our people in the sincerity and fairness of the party leadership,” they said.
