By The9JaTREND
The long-standing zoning arrangement in Owan Federal Constituency has once again asserted its defining influence on the area’s political trajectory, as the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries produced a new party flagbearer in line with the constituency’s established rotational principle, effectively bringing an end to the return bid of incumbent National Assembly majority leader, Julius Ihonvbere.
The outcome of the primary election has been widely interpreted by political observers and stakeholders as a reaffirmation of Owan’s enduring commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusive representation among the diverse communities that make up the federal constituency.
For decades, Owan has sustained a political culture anchored on a carefully nurtured zoning formula designed to guarantee balanced participation in leadership and ensure that every component part of the constituency enjoys equitable access to political representation. The arrangement, many believe, has played a pivotal role in fostering unity, strengthening political trust, and preventing the marginalisation of any particular bloc.
With the emergence of a new APC candidate, party faithful and community leaders have described the development as a victory for democratic justice and collective political responsibility over individual ambition.
Speaking to journalists after the primaries, a chieftain of the APC in the zone Ahmed Mahmud Okhuoya, said, “We are here today and more than 90% are queuing behind Hon. Andrew Ijegbai and the reason being that in Owan Federal Constituency, we are on a zoning arrangement and since 1999 til date, we are still practicing that zoning arrangement.
“Barrister Alegbe from Owan West was the first beneficiary of that zoning arrangement and he was in the House of Reps for a single tenure. In 2003, Owan East took turn and Barrister Abdul Oroh became the house of rep member til 2007. In 2007, it was again zone back to Owan West because it is now their turn and Hon. Abunagba became the beneficiary. In 2011, it was again zone back to Owan East and Hon. Pally Iriase became the beneficiary”.
Ahmed Mahmud Okhuoya continued, “It was during his time that Hon. Iriase called a meeting of all Owan people to discuss the development of the constituency because, Owan at this time was behind other constituencies in terms of development. He called all the political parties in Owan and suggested to them to allow him go for 2nd tenure so he can become a principal officer in the HOR to attract better development to the constituency.
“They all agreed and he was returned for 2nd tenure where he became the 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”
“Now he has finished his 2nd tenure and is now 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 and you cannot destroy the zoning arrangement that has kept us going. And that is the reason we all rise to queue behind Hon. Andrew Ijegbai and that is why we are all with him”, he concluded”
Political stakeholders noted that while Prof. contributions and legislative service may be significant and deserving of recognition, the decision to uphold the rotational understanding reflects a broader commitment to preserving the political harmony and mutual respect that have long defined Owan’s internal democratic process.
According to party insiders, the zoning principle was never intended as a mere political convenience, but rather as a strategic framework for sustaining cohesion and promoting shared ownership of leadership opportunities. Its continued observance, they argue, is critical to maintaining confidence in the constituency’s political institutions and ensuring long-term stability.
The APC primary outcome has therefore been hailed as a demonstration of political maturity, with many describing it as evidence that Owan remains deeply committed to principles that transcend personalities and immediate political calculations.
Beyond the question of representation, supporters of the zoning arrangement argue that the transition opens the door for renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and broader developmental engagement, while reinforcing the idea that leadership should circulate fairly among all constituent communities.
Across the constituency, reactions have largely reflected satisfaction that the established political understanding was respected, with many residents expressing optimism that the emergence of a new flagbearer will further consolidate unity and strengthen the constituency’s voice at the national level.
As preparations begin for the general election, the APC’s decision to align its candidate selection with Owan’s zoning tradition is being viewed not merely as a political outcome, but as a reaffirmation of a covenant rooted in fairness, justice, and collective progress.