Bende 2027: Group Defends Power Rotation, Faults APC Candidate’s Position on Equity

The Item Change Ambassadors have defended the long-standing rotational arrangement for the Bende Federal Constituency seat, insisting that equity, inclusion and respect for established political understandings remain essential to sustaining peace and fairness across the constituency.

In a rejoinder issued in response to comments attributed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Bende North State Constituency, Mr. Orji Udeagha, the group accused the lawmaker hopeful of adopting what it described as a selective interpretation of equity after allegedly benefiting from a similar controversy within his own constituency.

According to the group, before questioning the unwritten rotational understanding between Ikwuishi and Umunna in the contest for the Bende Federal Constituency seat, Udeagha should explain why he emerged as the APC candidate from Akanu Item, Ward C, despite claims by stakeholders that the ticket was expected to rotate to Item Ward B.

The statement noted that Ward C had previously produced former representatives, Hon. Ndukwo Ojukwu and Rt. Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe, arguing that Udeagha’s emergence contradicted the same principles of fairness he now advocates.

The Item Change Ambassadors maintained that the rotational understanding between Ikwuishi and Umunna was not designed to benefit any individual or political party but to foster inclusion, mutual trust, peaceful coexistence and a sense of belonging among the constituent blocs of Bende Federal Constituency.

The group further argued that democratic governance must be anchored not only on performance but also on justice, fairness and respect for political agreements that have helped preserve harmony over the years.

It stressed that public office should not be viewed as the exclusive preserve of any individual, noting that leadership remains a mandate periodically renewed by the electorate and open to every qualified citizen.

The group also threw its weight behind the Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, describing him as a philanthropist whose contributions to education, healthcare, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and community development predate his political ambition.

According to the statement, Anyaso’s long-standing investments in human capital development have earned him the confidence of many constituents, positioning him as a candidate capable of providing inclusive and people-centred leadership.

The Item Change Ambassadors therefore called on the people of Bende Federal Constituency to uphold the principles of equity, reject divisive narratives and preserve the spirit of fairness that has guided the constituency over the years.

The group concluded that Bende belongs to all its constituent communities and urged political actors to promote unity, justice and shared development rather than personal or sectional interests.