BENDE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY: Why Equity Must Prevail in 2027

By EMENIKE OKORIE.

Democracy flourishes where fairness, justice, consensus, equity and peace are deliberately protected. In plural societies like ours, zoning has remained a stabilising moral compass – tempering ambition, managing diversity and sustaining trust among communities. In Bende Federal Constituency, the spirit of zoning was not an accident of Politics; it was a conscious covenant forged by visionary Leaders who prioritised brotherhood, mutual respect and peaceful representation over rancour.

While the Constitution guarantees every Citizen the right to vote and be voted for, history teaches that legitimacy in leadership also rests on honesty, restraint and moral justification.

UMUNNA AND IKWUISHI: A COVENANT OF BALANCE

The roots of zoning in Nigeria trace back to the mid-1990s, later embraced by Political parties as a tool for inclusion and National balance. In Bende, an unwritten but honoured understanding emerged in 1999 – rotational representation between the Ụmụnna and Ikwuishi blocs on a four-year basis. This arrangement nurtured Peace and ensured that no bloc felt excluded from the dividends of democracy.

However, the equilibrium was strained when prolonged tenures disrupted the rotation, notably during the extended service of Hon.Nnenna Ukeje, a development many stakeholders cautioned against in the interest of equity.

Today, history stands at another crossroads. A third-term bid by *Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu* would once again tilt the balance – this time against the Ụmụnna bloc, setting a troubling precedent that could normalise 12-year tenures and erode the fragile trust painstakingly built over decades. Equity demands consistency: if extended tenure was resisted before in the name of fairness, it should not become acceptable now.

Notably, the Ụmụnna bloc upheld this covenant even when it meant supporting Ikwuishi in 2019 and 2023, demonstrating commitment to peace above parochial gain.

THE PATH FORWARD

For harmony to endure, the rotational spirit must be respected. The call is clear: allow equity to guide 2027. Let the Ụmụnna bloc present a young, vibrant, polished, and result-oriented candidate who will advance Ndi Bende’s interests at the Green Chamber, while preserving unity between both blocs.

Any attempt to consolidate power beyond the agreed rhythm risks igniting needless rivalry and undermining the very foundation of coexistence in Bende.

Equity is not a favour – it is a duty.

When ambition bows to justice, peace prevails; when agreements are honoured, progress follows. Let Bende choose balance over brinkmanship, history over haste, and Unity over uncertainty.

What is good for the Geese is good for the Ganda. The incumbent has been a major beneficiary of zoning arrangements in Bende Federal Constituency twice: in 2019 and 2023. He should resist the temptation of re-contesting, and give his support to an Umunna burn young promising leader who sees the whole of Bende Federal Constituency as his home.

He should not forget so soon that Ndi Umunna gave him support to pave the way for his emergence in 2019 and,in 2023. Now is the time for him to reciprocate the kind gestures and give a person from Umunna maximum support to succeed him.

Any attempt to re-contest will amount to swimming against the tide, and that will be his political albatross because,he will fail.

He has tried his best for 8 good years, let’s try another person. Ndi Bende are very much aware that we lost him to Federal Government and the Presidency the moment he became number 6. Nde Bende have loaned him to the presidency as a cabinet member, federal minister or Board Chairman for him to contribute his quota to the success of president Tinubu’s administration. He will do well in that capacity.

Many observers from Bende Federal Constituency have decried the way and manner their Representative introduces himself at the Green Chamber during plenary as: “*I represent the good people of Nigeria, starting from my Constituency*” . Whereas his colleagues, including principal officers, introduce themselves as representing their various constituencies.

Nde Bende see their representative as having the tendency of sacrificing the interest of Bende on the alter of quest for national leadership, which the people of Bende Federal Constituency don’t feel the impact.

Allowing him to go for third term in office is a costly and the worst mistake Ndi Bende have vowed not to make because, they know vividly well that he will not do anything again in Bende knowing that he will not go a 4th time.

The electorates of Bende Federal Constituency are wiser!

Equity must prevail over injustice, greed and personal ambition!

It is the turn of Umunna to produce the next House of Representative Member for Bende Federal Constituency!

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~ Hon.Chief EMENIKE OKORIE, FCA (Omenma),
Is a Political Scientist from the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka;
a Public Affairs Analyst;
a Social Media Influencer;
a Poet, an Author and a Prolific Writer;
former Deputy Chairman of Bende LGA;
the Chairman of Bende Youths’ Consultative Forum, and the Coordinator of Abia North Grassroot Leaders Forum.