The long-standing zoning arrangement in Owan Federal Constituency has again shaped the political direction of the area, following the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries which produced Hon. Andrew Ijegbai as the party’s flagbearer.
The outcome effectively ended the return bid of the incumbent National Assembly Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, as stakeholders insisted that the constituency’s established rotational principle must be respected.
Political observers and party faithful described the result as a reaffirmation of Owan’s commitment to fairness, equity and inclusive representation among the communities that make up the federal constituency.
For decades, Owan Federal Constituency has maintained a zoning formula aimed at ensuring balanced political participation between Owan East and Owan West, while preventing the domination or marginalisation of any bloc.
Speaking with newsmen after the primaries, an APC chieftain in the zone, Ahmed Mahmud Okhuoya, said the decision of party members to support Ijegbai was rooted in the constituency’s zoning history.
According to him, more than 90 per cent of stakeholders queued behind Hon. Andrew Ijegbai because it was the turn of Owan East to produce the next representative.
“We are here today and more than 90 per cent are queuing behind Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, and the reason is that in Owan Federal Constituency, we are on a zoning arrangement. Since 1999 till date, we have continued to practise that zoning arrangement,” Okhuoya said.
He explained that Barrister Alegbe from Owan West was the first beneficiary of the arrangement and served one term in the House of Representatives. He said Owan East took its turn in 2003 when Barrister Abdul Oroh became the representative until 2007.
Okhuoya further stated that the seat returned to Owan West in 2007, producing Hon. Abunagba, before moving back to Owan East in 2011, when Hon. Pally Iriase emerged.
He noted that during Iriase’s tenure, a broad meeting of Owan stakeholders across political parties was convened to discuss the development needs of the constituency.
According to him, Iriase appealed for a second term on the grounds that returning to the House would enable him to become a principal officer and attract more development to Owan.
“They all agreed and he was returned for a second tenure, where he became Deputy Whip, and through that position, he brought a lot of development to Owan. When he finished, it was zoned back to Owan West and Prof. Julius Ihonvbere became the beneficiary,” Okhuoya said.
He added that Prof. Ihonvbere, having completed two terms, sought another opportunity, but stakeholders from both Owan East and Owan West rejected the move in order to preserve the zoning arrangement.
“Now he has finished his second tenure and is pleading to be given another chance to go for the third time. That is why both Owan West and Owan East unanimously rejected his call, stressing that it is the turn of Owan East. You cannot destroy the zoning arrangement that has kept us going.
“That is the reason we all rose to queue behind Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, and that is why we are all with him,” he concluded.
Stakeholders said while Prof. Ihonvbere’s contributions and legislative service remain significant, the decision to uphold the rotational arrangement reflects a broader commitment to political harmony and mutual respect in Owan.
Party insiders maintained that the zoning principle was not designed as a temporary political convenience, but as a framework for sustaining unity, cohesion and shared access to leadership opportunities.
They argued that respecting the arrangement would continue to strengthen confidence in the constituency’s political process and promote long-term stability.
The APC primary outcome has therefore been hailed by supporters as a demonstration of political maturity and a victory for collective political responsibility over individual ambition.
Beyond the contest for representation, supporters of the zoning arrangement said the emergence of a new flagbearer would bring renewed energy, fresh perspectives and broader developmental engagement to the constituency.
Across Owan Federal Constituency, reactions have largely reflected satisfaction that the established political understanding was upheld, with many residents expressing optimism that Ijegbai’s emergence will further consolidate unity and strengthen the constituency’s voice at the national level.
As preparations begin for the general election, stakeholders say the APC’s decision to align its candidate selection with Owan’s zoning tradition represents more than a political outcome, but a reaffirmation of a covenant rooted in fairness, justice and collective progress.
