2027: Bende Youth Leader Insists on Zoning Shift, Warns Against Third-Term Push

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum, the debate over zoning in Bende Federal Constituency has resurfaced, with strong calls for a return to the established power rotation between the two political blocs.

The Chairman of the Bende Youths’ Consultative Forum and the former Deputy Chairman of Bende Local Government Council, Chief Emenike Okorie, has reiterated that equity, fairness and political stability demand that power shifts to Bende North (Umunna bloc) in 2027, following the expected completion of the second term of the current representative from Bende South (Ikwu Ishii bloc).

Speaking during an interview programme known as HARD TALK on SPIN 95.3FM on Monday monitored by TheChronicle Reporter, Okorie emphasized that the zoning principle though unwritten remains a long-standing agreement designed by the constituency’s founding fathers to ensure inclusiveness and prevent marginalization.

He explained that since 1999, Bende politics has largely revolved around a rotational arrangement between Umunna (Bende North) and Ikwu Ishii (Bende South), with each bloc expected to produce a representative for a single term before power rotates.

According to him, the arrangement was disrupted in 2007 due to what he described as “external interference,” leading to the emergence of Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje outside the agreed zoning structure an incident that sparked widespread resistance among political stakeholders.

Okorie noted that the zoning formula was eventually restored in 2019 with the emergence of the current lawmaker from Ikwu Ishii, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, adding that “equity demands” that the seat returns to Umunna in 2027.

He dismissed arguments supporting a potential third-term bid for the incumbent, insisting that previous violations of the zoning principle should not be legitimized.

“What is wrong remains wrong. If we condemned it before, we cannot now justify it,” he said.

On performance as a basis for re-election, Okorie maintained that governance is continuous and not dependent on an individual, stressing that projects and development can be sustained by successive leaders.

While acknowledging the incumbent’s strong first-term performance, he argued that holding a high-ranking national office has reduced focus on constituency matters.

“The primary responsibility of any lawmaker is to their constituency. National duties should not overshadow local representation,” he said.

Okorie also revealed that consultations and grassroots sensitization are ongoing to reinforce public understanding of the zoning arrangement, noting that many constituents are already aware that “the political pendulum is swinging to Bende North.”

He further declared that he would not support any aspirant outside the Umunna bloc in the forthcoming House of Representatives election, for the Bende Federal Constituency, describing his stance as nonpartisan and rooted strictly in justice and fairness.

On speculations linking his position to specific political interests, including a possible alignment with Dr. Chimobi Desmond Anyaso, Okorie denied any bias, maintaining that his advocacy is driven solely by principle.

“My position is not about any individual. It is about preserving fairness, balance and the collective agreement of our people,” he said.

He, however, acknowledged Anyaso’s political relevance and philanthropic contributions, adding that any future ambition by the former governorship running mate would likely attract significant support.

In his message to the people of Bende Federal Constituency, Okorie urged unity and strict adherence to the zoning principle, warning that deviation could trigger unnecessary political tension.

“As we approach 2027, it is only fair and just that Bende North produces the next representative. This is the path to peace, balance and sustained development,” he stated.