A political advocacy group, Ibarapa North Consultative Elders Forum has charged political parties across divides in Ibarapa Central and North Federal Constituency, to consider zoning the federal house of representatives tickets to Ibarapa North Local Government Area.
Ibarapa Central comprising Igboora and Idere, while Ibarapa North includes Ayete, Tapa and Igangan.
The call which was contained in a press statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday by the Ibarapa North Consultative Elders Forum.
Here is the full statement made available by the forum;
Leadership Shift: Why Ibarapa North Deserves the Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency Seat in Abuja in the 2027 General Elections by Ibarapa North Consultative Elders Forum
..urged and charged the leaders and stakeholders across all the levels of the political parties to consider “zoning Federal Representatives ticket” to IBARAPA NORTH…
Ibarapa North Consultative Elders Forum
Introduction
In the realm of politics and governance, the importance of effective and accountable leadership cannot be overstated. As we approach the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, the people of Ibarapa North are clamoring for representation in the Ibarapa Central and North Federal Constituency seat in Abuja. This article explores why the leadership shift to Ibarapa North is not only justified but imperative for the progress, fairness, unity, equity and development of the constituency.
Historical Context
Since the return to democracy in Nigeria in 1999, the concept of zoning has played a crucial role in ensuring fairness, unity and equity in the distribution of political positions, particularly in this federal constituency. In Ibarapa North and Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency, there has been a long-standing agreement on the rotation of the federal constituency seat between the two local governments.
The zoning agreement between Ibarapa North and Ibarapa Central has been ongoing since 1999, with the understanding that each local government will take turns in representing the constituency in the House of Representatives in Abuja. The rotation started with Ojegoke Rafiu Oladeni from Ibarapa North serving from 1999 to 2003, followed by Adebanjo Adepegba Omodele from Ibarapa Central from 2003 to 2007.
Subsequently, Olugbenga Ayoade Iloko from Ibarapa North served from 2015 to 2019, followed by Ajibola Saubana Muraina from Ibarapa Central from 2007 to 2011 and also from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2019 to 2023. Adebayo Anthony Adepoju from Ibarapa Central has been in office since 2023 and is expected to serve till 2027.
Based on the rotation agreement, Ibarapa Central will spend a total of 20 years by 2027 for representing the federal constituency in Abuja, while Ibarapa North has only spent 8 years.
The Ibarapa Central and North Federal Constituency in Oyo State has long been under the stewardship of various leaders, with representation traditionally hailing from Ibarapa Central. Over the years, the people of Ibarapa North have been marginalized and sidelined in the political landscape, despite their significant contributions to the socio-economic fabric of the constituency. This stark difference in representation raises questions about the fairness, unity and equity of the zoning arrangement between the two local governments.
Justification for Ibarapa North
1. Marginalization and Neglect: The people of Ibarapa North have endured years of neglect and marginalization, with limited access to basic amenities and infrastructure. A leadership shift to Ibarapa North would ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are adequately addressed.
2. Competent Leadership: Ibarapa North is home to a pool of talented and capable leaders who are more than qualified to represent the constituency at the federal level. By giving them the opportunity to lead, we can harness their skills and expertise for the benefit of all constituents.
3. Fairness and Equity: In the spirit of fairness and equity, it is essential that every part of the constituency is given a chance to contribute to the decision-making process and shape the future of the community. A leadership shift to Ibarapa North would be a step towards achieving this goal.
As such, the Ibarapa North Consultative Elders Forum believes that it is time and obviously for a leadership shift in the Ibarapa North and Central Federal Constituency. Ibarapa North deserves the opportunity to represent the constituency in Abuja in the 2027 general elections, in line with the principles of fairness, unity and equity.
It is essential that the zoning agreement between Ibarapa North and Ibarapa Central is respected and adhered to, to ensure that all segments of the constituency get a fair chance at representation. Therefore, the voices of the people of Ibarapa North must be heard and considered in the upcoming election, as they deserve their turn to lead and represent their constituents in Abuja.
A Call to Action
We urge/appeal the leaders and stakeholders across all the levels of the political parties to consider “zoning Federal Representatives ticket” to IBARAPA NORTH. This decision will not only promote inclusive representation but also contribute to the overall development of our consistency.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to the 2027 general elections, it is incumbent upon us to uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and inclusivity in our political processes. The people of Ibarapa North have long been overlooked and marginalized, and now is the time to rectify this imbalance by shifting the leadership to their deserving hands. By championing a leadership shift to Ibarapa North, we can pave the way for a more inclusive, vibrant, and prosperous future for the Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency.
