LR: Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and National Coordinator, Edda Grassroots Movement for FON, Hon. Okoro Orji Patrick.
A socio-political organisation, the Edda Grassroots Movement for FON, has appealed to Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to zone the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives to Edda Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group said its demand is anchored on the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusive governance, stressing that Afikpo LGA has held the seat continuously since 2007, nearly two decades without rotation.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki and made available to journalists, the National Coordinator of the group, Hon. Okoro Orji Patrick, argued that the prolonged dominance of Afikpo in the constituency’s political representation has created a sense of marginalisation among the people of Edda.
He noted that beyond the House of Representatives seat, Afikpo currently occupies other strategic political positions, including the office of the Deputy Governor, thereby deepening what he described as an imbalance in the distribution of political opportunities within the constituency.
“We are not asking for favour, but for fairness,” Orji said. “For over 20 years, Afikpo LGA has produced the member representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency. Today, they also hold key positions such as the Deputy Governor, while Edda has no representation at that level.”
The group maintained that zoning the seat to Edda would not only correct what it termed a “historical injustice,” but also strengthen grassroots participation and unity within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area.
According to the statement, Edda is endowed with competent and loyal party members who are capable of effectively representing the constituency at the national level.
“There are credible and experienced individuals in Edda who are ready to serve. Allowing Edda to produce the next representative will energise the grassroots and consolidate support for the APC,” Orji added.
The group aligned its appeal with Governor Nwifuru’s “People’s First” agenda and the broader “Charter of Equity” principle, which emphasises fairness, balance, and inclusiveness in governance.
“We believe Your Excellency’s leadership has consistently demonstrated a commitment to justice and equitable distribution of opportunities. Zoning the House of Representatives seat to Edda is in line with this vision,” the statement read.
The Edda Grassroots Movement further urged the leadership of the APC in Ebonyi State to support the call, noting that political stability and unity within the constituency would be better sustained through a deliberate power-sharing arrangement.
The appeal adds to growing conversations around zoning and equitable representation in Ebonyi politics as stakeholders begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers say how the issue is managed could shape political alignments within the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency and influence party cohesion in the state.
