Disregarding the Zoning Arrangement Poses Electoral Risk, Ibadan North-East Stakeholders Warn Political Parties

Stakeholders in Ibadan North-East Local Government have urged political parties to respect the zoning arrangement for the Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, warning that continued disregard for the pact could undermine equity and electoral stability in the constituency.

Addressing journalists in Ibadan on Monday, the spokesperson for the group, Com. Abdulahi Akinola, said the arrangement was established to ensure balanced and equitable representation between the two local governments that make up the federal constituency.

Akinola noted that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Ibadan North-East has produced only two representatives in the House of Representatives: Hon. Segun Akinloye, 2007–2011, and Hon. Abimbola Ajaja, 2011–2015. In the same period, Ibadan South-East has held the seat on five occasions and is currently seeking a sixth consecutive term.

“Ibadan North-East has a larger population and voter base, yet our representation remains disproportionately limited,” Akinola said. “Any political party that overlooks this reality risks weakening internal cohesion and its own electoral prospects.”

The group called on party leaders to prioritize consensus and fairness in candidate selection, stressing that upholding the zoning arrangement would strengthen voter confidence and contribute to a credible and peaceful election in 2027.

It reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive political participation and urged all parties to engage stakeholders in good faith ahead of the primaries and the general election.