Politics
LP’s Zoning Dilemma In Edo: Will It Follow APC And PDP’s Lead?
LP’s Zoning Dilemma In Edo: Will It Follow APC And PDP’s Lead? ....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah
In Nigeria’s electoral practice, zoning refers to the informal arrangement or understanding among political parties or stakeholders to rotate or allocate political positions based on geographical regions, ethnic groups, or other criteria…CONTINUE READING
It aims to ensure equitable distribution of political power among various regions or groups within the country. Zoning typically involves an agreement to take turns or allocate positions such as the presidency, governorships, or other key offices among different regions or ethnic groups to foster inclusivity, reduce political tensions, and promote national unity.
While the concept of zoning is often discussed and advocated for in Nigerian politics as a means to achieve equitable distribution of power among different regions or ethnic groups, its actual implementation has faced challenges. Despite calls for zoning, political parties and leaders often prioritize individual interests, power struggles, and party dynamics over the principle of zoning.
The forthcoming Edo Gubernatorial elections have revived discussions about zoning principles and the necessity for a fair distribution of power across the three geopolitical zones. Certain voices advocate for political parties to allocate the Governorship ticket to Edo Central, specifically the Esan district, emphasizing the need for their inclusion in governance after an extended period of alleged marginalization.
The ruling PDP and APC have recently decided, after careful and thorough deliberations, to discard zoning for the upcoming elections. This move by both parties has prompted inquiries about whether the LP, a significant influence in the state, will align its stance with the decisions made by the other two political parties.
The LP, an emerging political force in the state, might find itself compelled to abandon zoning due to practical constraints. Beyond the fundamental reasons why zoning is unworkable:
Lack of Legal Backing: Zoning operates informally without legal reinforcement, making it vulnerable to manipulation by political actors.
Political Calculations: Parties prioritize winning and power consolidation, often favoring candidates based on popularity, influence, resources, and alliances rather than zoning principles.
Ethnoreligious Sentiments: Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious landscape often prompts groups to advocate for their preferred candidates, regardless of zoning agreements.
Internal Party Dynamics: Power struggles within parties often override zoning arrangements, as influential members push for their favored candidates.
Weak Party Structure: Nigerian political parties lack robust internal systems to uphold zoning agreements, enabling influential figures to manipulate the process.
Changing Political Landscapes: Shifts in public opinion, emerging issues, or sudden power shifts can prompt parties to disregard established zoning arrangements.
By enacting a zoning policy for the governorship ticket, the Labour Party—which is quickly becoming more and more well-known both nationally and in Edo State—runs the risk of losing credibility and power within the state.
For instance, in Edo State, if regions historically marginalized such as Owan and Akoko-Edo are identified, they should rightfully receive priority consideration due to their prolonged exclusion from significant federal appointments, political roles, and absence from occupying the Government House at Dennis Osadebe Avenue, either in the governorship or deputy positions.
On the contrary, the Esan community has significantly benefited from the political system, having had the opportunity to have a governor, although their tenure was cut short due to legal circumstances. This geographical region has notably received substantial political leadership roles and appointments, marking them as one of the most privileged in terms of political representation.
Chief Tony Anenih, one of the most influential PDP leaders to have ever emerged in the nation, gave Edo Central enormous political appointments—so much so that they generated back-to-back A list ministers—as well as other high-ranking appointments, such as board appointees and others.
One disadvantage of zoning the governorship in Edo State is the potential limitation it imposes on the selection of the best-qualified candidate. When governance positions are zoned to specific regions within the state, it can overlook competent individuals from other regions who might possess superior leadership skills, experience, or innovative ideas.
This limitation based on geographical boundaries rather than meritocracy might result in the exclusion of highly capable leaders, potentially impacting the overall development and progress of the state.
It would be a misguided strategy for the LP to take a risk that might not be justifiable in the long run. Prioritizing zoning, which historically hasn’t been feasible in the state, could hinder the party’s ability not only to win elections (its primary objective in seeking power) but also to make a significant impact in the state.
The previous election in the state, like many across the country including the presidency, disregarded zoning and remained open to all qualified Nigerians, whether for the presidency or governorship.
Adhering strictly to zoning would not just contradict democratic principles but also create opportunities for manipulation by self-serving politicians within the party.
Zoning the Edo 2024 elections carries the potential for undermining democracy, creating internal discord, limiting competitiveness, excluding talent, disillusioning voters, and fostering possible manipulation within the party.
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah serves as a political analyst and holds the position of principal at Bush Radio Academy.
Source: iReporteronline.
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) began nationwide on Thursday, with over 2.2 million candidates expected to participate across accredited centres.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The exam, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will run from April 16 to April 22 in multiple daily sessions.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, urged examination officials to remain highly committed and professional, noting that the success of the exercise depends largely on their dedication.
He gave the charge during a virtual final briefing for technical officers ahead of the examination, where he also praised staff, ad hoc personnel, service providers, and technical advisers for their roles in the successful conduct of the mock exam.
Oloyede said many of the issues recorded during the mock exercise were due to poor assessment of centres by some technical officials.
He further stated that incentive packages would be awarded to teams that perform exceptionally, particularly in handling exam materials and submitting timely reports.
Reiterating JAMB’s zero-tolerance stance on malpractice, he warned candidates against bringing prohibited items into examination halls.
He also disclosed that biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems have been deployed to protect the integrity of the exercise.
Candidates whose biometrics cannot be verified, he added, will be rescheduled to write the exam at approved centres.
Meanwhile, a NAN correspondent monitoring proceedings at Aduvie International School, Jahi, reported that the first session scheduled for 8:30 a.m. began slightly behind schedule at about 8:40 a.m.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that a Nigerian international passport presented in a London property dispute involving the late Jeremiah Useni is not contained in its official records.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The disclosure was made during the ongoing trial of senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni before Justice Chizoba Oji of the FCT High Court.
The case centres on allegations of forgery, impersonation, and the use of false documents in a bid to claim ownership of a London property said to be linked to the late Useni.
An Immigration officer, Aridegbe Akim, who testified as the first prosecution witness, told the court that passport number A07535463 allegedly issued to one Tali Shani could not be traced in the agency’s database.
He explained that all Nigerian passports are electronically registered and can be verified through the system, but no matching record was found for the document in question.
Under cross-examination, the witness maintained that while the passport resembled genuine travel documents, it lacked any verifiable issuance record, which is required for authenticity.
Following the testimony, the prosecution requested additional time to present another witness, which was not opposed by the defence. The court adjourned the matter to May 18 for continuation of hearing.
The Federal Government, through the Attorney General’s office, is accusing the defendants of forging an international passport and legal documents allegedly used to support claims over a property at 79 Randall Avenue, London.
Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent television interview as a “disaster,” saying it exposed a lack of clarity and vision.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Dare made the remarks in a statement posted on his handle on Thursday, where he said Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition is “dead on arrival.”
He argued that the interview did not project leadership or policy direction, but instead revealed contradictions and what he called a lack of substance on key national issues.
According to him, Atiku failed to present a clear alternative to the ongoing economic reforms, offering what he described as criticism without a workable roadmap.
Dare also said the former Vice President’s comments alienated several political and social groups, insisting that the interview reflected grievance rather than unity or leadership.
He maintained that Nigeria is currently undergoing necessary reforms, adding that citizens are already seeing progress rather than political promises.
The presidential aide concluded that Atiku is steadily losing political relevance, saying the interview only reinforced doubts about his leadership capacity.
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