Stakeholders in Ibarapa North Local Government have called on all political parties to respect equity and fair rotation in the Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency, warning that any attempt to zone the House of Representatives seat away from Ibarapa North for the 2027 election would perpetuate long-standing marginalization and risk electoral backlash.
Addressing journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the group, Com. Olusegun Adeoye, said the stakeholders are united in demanding that the next representative come from Ibarapa North to correct years of imbalance between the two local governments that make up the federal constituency.
Com. Adeoye noted that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Ibarapa North has produced only two representatives in the House of Representatives: Hon. Rafiu Ojegoke (1999 – 2003) and Hon. Gbenga Ayoade (2015 – 2019). In contrast, Ibarapa Central has dominated the seat with Late Hon. Adepegba Adegbenjo (2003 – 2007), Hon. Saubana Muraina (2007 – 2011, 2011 – 2015 and 2019–2023), and the current holder, Hon. Anthony Adepoju (2023–2027).
“Ibarapa North has been grossly marginalized over Ibarapa Central in the sharing of this important position,” Ayoade said. “Despite our contributions and voter strength, we have been relegated to the background for far too long. Any political party that ignores this reality and attempts to zone the seat elsewhere risks alienating a critical segment of the constituency and jeopardizing its chances in the 2027 polls.”
The group emphasised that the zoning arrangement was designed to promote fairness, unity, and equitable representation between the two local governments. They urged party leaders at the national, state, and local levels to prioritise consensus building and adhere strictly to principles of justice and rotational equity in candidate selection.
The stakeholders warned that continued disregard for this understanding could undermine internal party cohesion, erode public trust, and lead to voter apathy or protest votes in the constituency.
They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful and inclusive political processes, while calling on all political parties to engage meaningfully with genuine stakeholders of Ibarapa North ahead of the primaries and the general election to ensure a credible, equitable, and stable outcome in 2027.
