Ahead of the 2027 general elections, key stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State have demanded that the party’s ticket for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency popularly known as Enone be zoned to Okpokwu Local Government Area.
The demand was articulated during a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting held yesterday in Eke, Edumoga District.
Participants included all ward chairmen, the party secretary from Edumoga, and women and youth leaders from across the wards.
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Stakeholders argued that the three local government areas Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo have collectively served eight years under the current rotation arrangement, making it equitable for the ticket to revert to Okpokwu.
“The principle of equity demands that Okpokwu produces the next representative for the federal constituency. For too long, the rotation has favoured other areas, and it is now time to ensure fairness and balance,” said Hon. Christian Abba, an elder from Edumoga.
He added: “This is not just a demand from Okpokwu; it is a call for justice for all three local government areas. Respecting this longstanding arrangement will strengthen unity within the constituency, foster mutual trust among the people, and uphold the democratic principles that should guide our party.”
The chairman of the ADC ward chairmen forum, Michael Ogwuche, called on aspirants from outside Okpokwu to withdraw in deference to the zoning agreement.
“We must respect the zoning in Enone to maintain unity within our party and strengthen our chances in the 2027 elections,” he stated.
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“Ignoring this principle could create divisions, weaken our collective strength, and undermine the confidence of our supporters across the constituency. By honouring the rotation and ensuring that Okpokwu produces the next representative, we are not only upholding fairness but also sending a clear message that the ADC is committed to internal democracy, inclusiveness, and the principles of justice that our people expect from us.”
Hon. Clatus Ejembi and Ogwuche Ejembi echoed these sentiments, emphasising that adherence to zoning would promote internal democracy within the party.
The current representative, Hon. Philip Agbese of the All Progressives Congress (APC), hails from Ado and has served since 2023.
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