Leadership Shift: Why Ibarapa North LGA Deserves Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency Seat in 2027 | By Ibarapa North Consultative Elders Forum

• Forum Urges Leaders, Stakeholders Across All 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 clamouring 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 Ayode 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 have spent a total of 20 years by 2027 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 marginalised 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. Marginalisation and Neglect: The people of Ibarapa North have endured years of neglect and marginalisation, 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 be 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 to 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 marginalised, 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.