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 flagbearer, bringing an end to the return bid of the House of Representatives Majority Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere.
Key highlights:
- The APC primary in Edo State’s Owan Federal Constituency resulted in the defeat of House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, ending his bid for re-election.
- The party’s new candidate emerged through a process strongly influenced by a long-standing zoning arrangement between Owan East and Owan West.
- Stakeholders say the zoning system has been in place since 1999 to ensure fair and balanced political representation across the constituency.
- According to local party leaders, Owan East was considered due for the seat, leading to support for candidate Andrew Ijegbai over Ihonvbere.
- The outcome is being framed by supporters as a reinforcement of rotational justice and political equity within the constituency.
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 newsmen after the primaries, a chieftain of the APC in the zone, Ahmed Mahmud Okhuoya, said that “we are here today and more than 90 percent are queuing behind Andrew Ijegbai and the reason being that in Owan Federal Constituency, we are on a zoning arrangement and since 1999 till date, we are still practicing that zoning arrangement.
“Alegbe from Owan West was the first beneficiary of that zoning arrangement and he was in the House of Representatives for a single tenure.
“In 2003, Owan East took turn and Abdul Oroh became the House of Representatives member till 2007. In 2007, it was again zoned back to Owan West because it is now their turn and Abolagba became the beneficiary.
“In 2011, it was again zoned back to Owan East and Pally Iriase became the beneficiary.”
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Okhuoya continued: “It was during his time that 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 second tenure so he can become a principal officer in the House of Representatives to attract better development to the constituency.
“They all agreed and he was returned for second 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 second 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.”
Political stakeholders noted that while Rep. Ihonvbere contributions and legislative service may be significant and deserving of recognition, but 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.
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.
