2027: Kwara Indigenes Seek Reps Seat After 28 Years

Stakeholders from Ekiti and Oke-Ero Local Government Areas of Kwara State have intensified calls for political inclusion in the Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Isin/Irepodun Federal Constituency.

The call that the House of Representatives seat be conceded to their axis ahead of the 2027 general elections is coming following about three decades of neglect.

The appeal formed the core of discussions at a well-attended town hall meeting of the stakeholders and allied groups held at Osi, with the theme: “Ekiti Land Ni House Of Reps Kan”.

At the event, political leaders, traditional rulers, women groups, aspirants, youth representatives, and elders decried over two decades of marginalisation and imbalance as regards the seat within the constituency.

Prof. James Omotosho, National President of Kwara Ekiti Indigenes, whose address was read at the programme, emphasized that the push for representation is about justice and fairness, not rivalry.

“We are not here out of anger. We are here because we believe in equity and the principles of democracy. A constituency can only progress when all its component parts feel recognised, included, and fairly treated”, Omotosho said.

He highlighted that since the creation of the federal constituency, the House of Representatives seat has been monopolized by the Igbomina ethnic group, leaving Ekiti communities without a single opportunity to serve at that level.

“For 28 years, our people have watched from the sidelines. This is no longer just a political issue; it is a moral one. Democracy was never designed to benefit one group endlessly while others are permanently excluded”, he noted.

He said the body is socio-cultural and not political, but cannot remain silent on issues affecting the welfare of its people.

“Our organisation is not a political party, but we cannot shy away from issues that affect our collective future”, he noted.

Deputy National President of the group, Elder Ayobola Samuel, said the town hall meeting was convened to chart a new political future for Ekiti people.

“For over two decades, this seat has been monopolised to the detriment of Ekiti people. You cannot talk about peace where there is no justice. That is why we are calling for dialogue, negotiation, and constructive engagement. This meeting is about conversation and finding democratic ways to ensure fairness for all, not conflict”, he stated.

On managing multiple aspirants from Ekiti and Oke-Ero, Samuel said internal consultations would follow.

“First, let our brothers from the other axis agree to concede the seat. Then we will come back home and sit down to narrow down the contestants. It is better for one of us to be there than none of us to be there,” he added.

The House of Reps aspirants at the occasion supported the appeal.

Dr. Kehinde Alex Bankole, an APC House of Representatives aspirant, urged citizens to view politics as a collective investment rather than a privilege for a few.

“For over 20 years, parts of this district, especially Ekiti and Oke-Ero, have had little attention from the government for certain reasons.

“Politics is an investment everyone must consider because decisions taken today determine our tomorrow.”

Bankole assured that if elected, he would ensure inclusive governance and work with all stakeholders, irrespective of political differences.

Dr. Idowu Musa Audu, a PDP aspirant who was represented by Mr Femi Awe said, “When we are together, we can achieve a lot. This gathering gives hope for a more united constituency”.

Another APC aspirant, Mr. Adeyemi Issac, described the meeting as historic which “demonstrated unity and shared purpose among aspirants”.

Hon. Gabriel Ashaolu, also an APC hopeful, said the demand for inclusion is long overdue.

“For the past 27 years, only two local governments have produced a House of Representatives member, excluding Ekiti and Oke-Ero. We want to correct this peacefully through dialogue and cooperation”, he said.

Youth Leader of Kwara Ekiti Indigenes, Comrade Gabriel Omoniyi, said the meeting was borne out of years of frustration and to give everybody fair representation.

“For years, we realised that it is only the Irepodun axis that has been producing the House of Representatives member. In the interest of justice, fairness, and equality, we are appealing that Ekiti land should be considered this time around, irrespective of political party,” he said.

He emphasised that the movement is not a political party.

“This body is not a political party but we are saying that what is good for the goose is also good for the gander,” Omoniyi stated.

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