Abia NDC Stakeholders Protest Alleged Zoning Imbalance, Seek Reconsideration of Reps Ticket

Stakeholders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa, and Ugwunagbo Local Government Areas of Abia State have appealed to the national leadership of the party to address what they described as a zoning imbalance in the allocation of elective positions within the Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency.

In a petition addressed to the National Chairman of the party through the National Secretary, the stakeholders argued that the current distribution of key elective positions in Abia Central Senatorial District does not reflect the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusiveness.

According to the petition, the positions of the party’s Senatorial Candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, House of Representatives Candidate for Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, and the Member representing Osisioma Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly are all concentrated in Osisioma Ward 2, the home ward of the party’s senatorial candidate, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu.

The stakeholders expressed concern that the arrangement effectively sidelines Obingwa Local Government Area, which they described as the largest local government in Abia State with the highest voting population.

They warned that the perceived imbalance could negatively affect the party’s electoral prospects, as supporters and stakeholders may view the allocation of positions as unfair.

The petitioners further stated that the federal constituency seat has traditionally rotated among the three local government areas, noting that Osisioma Ngwa had occupied the position for 12 consecutive years through the tenures of Senator Nkechi Nwaogu and Hon. Solomon Ezinwa Adaelu.

They also pointed out that Ugwunagbo had held the position for eight years through Prof. Ohiagu and the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Munachim Alozie, while Obingwa had previously occupied the seat through Hon. Eziuche Ubani.

Based on the established zoning arrangement, the stakeholders maintained that the next House of Representatives ticket should be ceded to Obingwa Local Government Area.

They specifically urged the national leadership of the NDC to consider Chief Victor Chukwudi Omenihu as the party’s candidate for the Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency seat.

Describing Omenihu as a grassroots politician, philanthropist, and a popular choice among the people, the stakeholders said his candidature would promote justice, equity, and inclusiveness while enhancing the party’s chances of victory in the forthcoming general elections.

“We most respectfully appeal to the National Leadership of our party to consider the candidature of Chief Victor Chukwudi Omenihu for the position of Member, House of Representatives, Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, in the interest of equity, fairness, justice, and the overall success of our party in the forthcoming general elections,” the petition stated.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to the unity, growth, and progress of the NDC, expressing confidence in the ability of the party’s national leadership to ensure justice and fairness in the matter.

The petition was signed by several party leaders and stakeholders, including Hon. Chief K.O. Mgbeahuru, Elder Onuiri Kanye, Mr. Uzoamaka Emereole, Hon. Zacheus Chibuzo, Mr. Ezinwanyi Sunday, Elder Okezie Njoku, Egbufor Jinanwa, Hon. Odoemelam Kingsley, and Elder Ochiabuto Dick.