2027: Bende North’s Turn — Stakeholders Demand Return to Zoning Equity
“A detailed analysis of Bende Federal Constituency’s zoning history and why political stakeholders insist that Bende North (Umunna) must produce the next House of Representatives member in 2027, in the interest of equity, justice, and long-standing power rotation principles.”
Bende Federal Constituency, located in Abia State, Nigeria, comprises only the Bende Local Government Area—making it the only federal constituency in the state made up of a single LGA, unlike others that combine two or three. Its population is dominated by farmers and traders, many of whom continue to struggle with poor road access to farmlands and persistent ecological challenges such as erosion.
Politically, Bende LGA is divided into two zones: Bende South, also known as Ikwu Isii, and Bende North, known as Umunna. These zones represent the two state assembly constituencies. Over time, Bende’s political culture has developed a unique structure shaped by the unwritten but respected power-sharing understanding established by the founding fathers.
Although never formally codified, this “gentleman agreement” introduced zoning as a political management tool—one that promotes inclusivity, prevents marginalisation, and ensures that no part of Bende perpetually dominates political power. This arrangement was designed to foster unity and prevent what leaders then described as a “disunited character” in local politics.
Historical Pattern of Representation
Since the return of democracy in 1999, Bende Federal Constituency has been represented in the House of Representatives as follows:
- Hon. Nnamdi Njoku – Bende South (Ikwu Isii), 1999–2003 (one term).
- Hon. Mba Aja – Bende North (Umunna), 2003–2007 (one term).
- Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje – Bende North (Umunna), 2007–2019 (three terms).
- Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu – Bende South (Ikwu Isii), 2019–date (currently in second term).
A review of this sequence shows that power alternated between Bende North and Bende South on a single-term basis until 2007, when Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje’s emergence from Bende North disrupted the zoning rotation—despite widespread expectation that it was Bende South’s turn.
Many political stakeholders recall the events of that period, including the sidelining of Hon. Chief P.C. Mba—widely regarded as the consensus candidate of both Bende North and Bende South. His loss was seen as a denial of Ikwu Isii’s rightful turn, creating political tension that lingered for years.
Hon. Ukeje not only took the turn of Bende South but went on to serve three consecutive terms and prepared for a fourth until “God used Dr. Chima Anyaso,” as many constituents say, to prevent her re-election by defeating her in the PDP primaries. Observers maintain that, had it been she contested the 2019 general election against Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, she might still have been in the National Assembly today.
Many in Ikwu Isii—and even across Umunna—considered this era an injustice and rallied support for power to return to Bende South. This culminated in the election of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu in 2019 and again in 2023.
Why Zoning Must Be Respected in 2027
As the 2027 general election approaches, political leaders insist that the zoning principle must be respected in the interest of fairness and stability. They argue that it is now the rightful turn of Bende North (Umunna) to produce the next House of Representatives member.
Zoning, they emphasize, is crucial for:
Political inclusion
Conflict reduction
Balanced representation
Mitigation of marginalisation
Shared ownership in governance
Currently in Bende LGA, both major political positions shared between the two zones are occupied by individuals from Bende South:
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (Bende South).
The Mayor (Chairman) of Bende LGA (also from Bende South).
For many, this reinforces the argument that the House of Representatives seat must return to Umunna for equity to prevail.
According to stakeholders, Rt. Hon. Kalu—who himself benefitted from the zoning principle in 2019—should “be magnanimous enough” not to contest again and instead support a Bende North candidate. They argue that seeking a third term would undermine the long-standing zoning formula and cost him the support of voters who value fairness.
Conclusion
Political leaders across Bende insist that “it is the turn of Umunna” to represent the constituency at the National Assembly in 2027. They argue that this is not only a matter of political arithmetic but a moral obligation toward justice, stability, and unity in Bende’s shared political heritage.
Byline
~ Hon. Chief EMENIKE OKORIE, FCA (Omenma)
Political Scientist (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka)
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Public Affairs Analyst
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