The conversation around power rotation within Enone has always been a delicate one, but it must also be guided by logic, history, and fairness. The current agitation from some quarters of Okpoga for a power shift in 2027 ignores the political realities that have shaped our constituency since 1999.
To begin with, the Ado bloc completed their first eight-year cycle when Ottah finished his tenure in 2023(Hon. Obande from Ado: 1999-2003-4years, Hon. Onobi from Okpokwu: 2003-2011-8years, Hon. Saleh from Ogbadibo 2011-2019-8years, Hon. Ottah: 2019-2023-4years). For those who understand the workings of the Enone political system, once the 2023 general election took place, a fresh rotation cycle began. In that election, all three local governments—Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo—fielded credible candidates: Agbese (APC) from Ado, Ralph (LP) from Okpokwu, and Aida (PDP) from Ogbadibo. By fate and political alignment, Ado emerged victorious, but it could easily have gone the other way.
This leads to the most important question: Had Aida or Ralph won in 2023, would others have denied them the right to complete eight years? The honest answer is NO. Neither Ado nor Ogbadibo would have tolerated such selective justice against Okpokwu. If an Okpokwu son had taken the seat in 2023, the same voices shouting “It is Okpokwu’s turn” today would be arguing vigorously for continuity and stability until 2031.
In fact, history supports this logic. If, by some unlikely political twist, Ado produces a different candidate in 2027, that person would still be completing Agbese’s 8-year cycle, just the same way Ottah completed Hon. Obande’s four-year tenure from 1999–2003. The principle has always been constituency rotation, and that principle has never been broken, except for how Ado's tenure of 8years was cut in 2003.
The bitter truth is that if Okpokwu believed 2023 was truly their turn, they lost the moment by failing to assert themselves when it mattered. Instead of mobilizing during the PDP primaries (as the party in vogue then) or rallying behind Ralph in the LP when it became clear that PDP was not fielding an Okpokwu candidate, because of the Senatorial ambition of another Okpokwu son, they allowed political patronage to weaken their collective bargaining power. The chant of “Okpokwu’s turn” should have echoed before the primaries, not after another local government has already taken the mandate.
Today, a new cycle has started in 2023. And whether anyone likes it or not, Ado is just one term into its legitimate eight-year slot. Besides, the incumbent is not just sitting in office, he is performing, unifying, and delivering results that Enone has long desired.
Power rotation must be based on equity and consistency, not convenience or emotion. If Okpokwu wants 2031, they must start organizing now, not by disrupting the current rotation, but by preparing for the next.
In view of all these, the agitation for a power shift in 2027 is not only politically unfounded but morally inconsistent with the rotational understanding that has held Enone together since 1999. Ado should be allowed to complete their eight years, in this second cycle, just as every other local government would rightfully expect if the tables were turned.
Comrade Omaga Elachi Daniel writes from Okpoga, Benue State.
Post a Comment