Bende 2027 Power Tussle: Explosive Zoning Debate Sparks Equity Clash Between North and South
“Tension is quietly building in Bende Federal Constituency as the 2027 elections draw closer, with a fierce debate over zoning, fairness, and political equity taking center stage. In a revealing radio interview, youth leader Emenike Okorie ignites fresh controversy—insisting it is Bende North’s turn, while questioning the push for a third term. His bold stance has now triggered intense conversations that could reshape the political future of the constituency.”
“The zoning principle in Bende Federal Constituency is an informal power-sharing agreement between Bende North (Umunna) and Bende South (Ikwu Isii), designed to ensure fairness, inclusiveness, and political balance. Ahead of the 2027 elections, stakeholders argue that equity demands a shift of power to Bende North after Bende South completes its turn, making zoning a central issue in the upcoming political contest.”
By EMENIKE OKORIE.
As political conversations begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the issue of zoning within Bende Federal Constituency has once again taken center stage.
In a bid to foster informed public discourse, HARD TALK on SPIN 95.3FM hosted Chief Emenike Okorie, Chairman of the Bende Youths’ Consultative Forum, for an in-depth discussion on the theme: “ Zoning Principle in Bende: Balancing Representation and Equity in 2027.”
During the live programme on Monday, March 23 at 9:00 a.m., Chief Okorie shared his perspectives on the relevance of zoning, its role in promoting fairness, and the need for unity among stakeholders as the constituency prepares for another electoral cycle.
Excerpts:
Question:
What is the zoning principle in Bende Federal Constituency, and why was it introduced?
Answer:
Bende Federal Constituency Zoning is a principle designed by our founding fathers to ensure inclusiveness, avoid rancour, and prevent unnecessary competition when it comes to sharing political power and positions. It was a thoughtful idea aimed at fostering peace and maintaining balance, ensuring that no particular zone feels marginalized. The zoning formula is therefore a fair arrangement intended to promote unity and equitable distribution of political opportunities.
Question:
Have political parties adhered to this zoning principle in Bende Federal Constituency before now?
Answer:
Yes, political parties have always adhered to the zoning principle instituted by the founding fathers, although it was not formally written. It existed as a verbal, mutual agreement and understanding to prevent unnecessary conflicts.
This understanding gave rise to the sharing principle between the blocs in Bende Federal Constituency. Looking at past political developments, the arrangement started around 1999 between Umunna (Bende North) and Ikwu Isii (Bende South).
Ikwu Isii had its turn in 1999, with Hon. Nnamdi Njoku who served one term of 4 years, after which Hon. Mba Ajah represented Umunna for one term of four years as well.
However, in 2007, external political interference disrupted the zoning arrangement. This distortion led to the emergence of Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje, who took the slot meant for Ikwu Isii, thereby upsetting the established rotation system.
This development disorganized the one-term zoning formula that had existed, causing dissatisfaction among Bende political leaders which they resisted and consistently fought against the disruption. Eventually, the zoning arrangement was restored, and power returned to Ikwu Isii in 2019 with Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who has served his first term and is currently in his second term, expected to end in 2027.
Equity, therefore, demands power should return to our brothers at Umunna for continuity, fairness.
Question:
Before Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje embarked on her third term, was her emergence in line with the zoning agreement of Bende political leaders, or was it purely a result of voters’ choice during the election?
Answer:
The process has always been guided by the zoning formula. The people of Bende traditionally agree on which bloc should produce a representative for a given election cycle, and the entire constituency typically respects and adheres to that arrangement.
However, as I earlier explained, the emergence of Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje in 2007 was an exception, which I attributed to external influence. At that time, Hon. Paul Chikezie Mba was widely favoured for the position, but external forces intervened and imposed Hon. Ukeje against the will of the people of Bende. This development was strongly resisted, and many are aware of how events unfolded during that period.
Question:
Was it the collective agreement of all party stakeholders that Hon. P. C. Mba, who hails from Ikwu Isii and contested under the Progressives People Alliance (PPA), should run?
Answer:
Yes, indeed. There was a consensus among party stakeholders in support of Hon. P. C. Mba’s candidacy.
Question:
If that is the case, which parties or groups agreed on the zoning arrangement? Does it imply that the PDP was not part of the zoning agreement?
Answer:
The zoning arrangement was a collective understanding embraced by all major political parties, including the PDP. It was a widely accepted framework aimed at ensuring fairness, balance, and inclusiveness across the blocs within Bende Federal Constituency.
Question:
So why did they feature someone that is outside the rightful zoning/rotational arrangement?
Answer:
The choice of Hon. Nnenna Ukeje was not in agreement with the arrangement of Bende people. The arrangement was to follow the already existing zoning principle, which Ikwu Isii and Umunna chose Hon. Paul Chikezie Mba, who is from Ikwu Isii, was the rightful candidate until a sudden disruption occurred due to external forces, which brought Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje as the PDP Candidate.
To buttress further, Hon. Ukeje contested the primaries with an Ikwu Isii candidate, named, Hon. Frank Chinasa, in 2007. So Hon. Nnenna emerged either by chance or accident and got the PDP ticket, otherwise PDP would have fielded an Ikwu Isii man as its candidate.
Question:
Since the zoning formula or arrangement changed to three (3) terms with Hon. Nnenna Ukeje (from Umunna), and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu (from Ikwu Isii) took over from her in 2019 and is about completing his second term, shouldn’t Bende people allow him to complete a third term for equity and fairness in the political bloc?
Answer:
That is the argument of people who do not want the zoning formula to prevail or take its course. But I asked, should we allow it to continue? What is wrong is wrong in every standard. If we all condemned it before, why should we allow it now?
Question:
Now that we are approaching the 2027 general elections, you are of the opinion that the pendulum should swing to the other side. I also understand that Bende Federal Constituency is not a political party. Have all parties come together to agree, or do disputes still exist?
Answer:
My position on zoning is strictly nonpartisan. I stand firmly on the principles of equity, justice, and fairness. The founding fathers of Bende Federal Constituency established the zoning arrangement with the expectation that all political parties would align with it in the interest of unity and balance.
As we approach 2027, it is clearly the turn of Bende North, particularly the Umunna bloc, to produce the next representative, following the end of the tenure of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who himself is a beneficiary of this same zoning principle.
It is important to recall that he strongly opposed the third-term bid of Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje at the time, a position many of us supported in defense of the zoning arrangement.
As someone from Bende South, just like Rt. Hon. Kalu, I believe that for the sake of peace, cohesion, and political stability, the agreement should be respected.
Supporting a shift to Bende North will help avoid unnecessary tension and uphold the integrity of the zoning principle. It is only fair that our brothers from the Umunna bloc are given their rightful turn, in line with the established understanding.
Question:
If a representative is already performing well in office, shouldn’t that give them an advantage to seek re-election, especially to complete ongoing projects?
Answer:
Governance is a continuum. Wherever one officeholder stops, another can continue, and development will still progress. What truly matters is attracting meaningful projects and sustainable development to Bende Federal Constituency. While performance is important, it is not the sole criterion—legitimacy and broad acceptance by the people are equally critical.
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu performed exceptionally well during his first term, which justified his re-election for a second term. However, I must be frank: the moment he assumed the position of Deputy Speaker effectively becoming the number six citizen in the country we, to a large extent, lost him to national responsibilities. His deep involvement in national politics has, in my view, limited his focus on Bende Federal Constituency and its immediate needs.
Question:
But the office of the Deputy Speaker comes with enormous national responsibilities, doesn’t it?
Answer:
Yes, without doubt, the role of Deputy Speaker carries significant responsibilities at the national level. However, that should not come at the expense of one’s primary obligation, which is to their constituency.
It is quite concerning to hear my representative in the Green Chamber introduce himself as representing “the good people of Nigeria,” rather than first identifying with Bende. Other members including principal officers and even the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas—consistently acknowledge their constituencies first.
Based on this pattern, it is difficult to expect a different outcome if Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu is given another mandate. There is a strong likelihood that national engagements will continue to take precedence, potentially at the expense of the specific interests and development needs of the people of Bende Federal Constituency.
Question:
As the gospel of the zoning principle in Bende Federal Constituency is ongoing and the 2027 general elections draw near, how far have you gone to refresh the minds of grassroots electorates to align with the campaign of equity, fairness, and justice that the zoning principle preaches? What are you doing to ensure the campaign for the right zoning arrangement sink into them?
Answer:
Well, the people of Bende already know the arrangement, but we need to intensify sensitization campaigns and inform them properly so the message can sink deeply.
As a matter of fact, a good number of youths and grassroots people understand that the political pendulum is swinging to Bende North this electioneering period. Bende people are wise and have observed these things carefully. Once a politician is voted into the position of authority, he or she often performs well in the first tenure to secure a second term.
However, Bende people are aware of this pattern and would not want to risk the idea of a third term, because they already know the likely outcome. Representation tends to weaken and gradually lose its energy over time.
Question:
If the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is re-elected for a third term, there is a possibility he may no longer retain his position as Deputy Speaker. You have previously argued that his current role as the number six citizen in the country is distracting him from focusing on his primary responsibilities to his constituency. Would this not allow him to concentrate more on his constituents?
Answer:
He has already begun suggesting an interest in contesting for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives. However, we will not be swayed by such political manoeuvres or gamble with the mandate of our people on that basis.
It would be more appropriate for him to fully engage in national politics and explore opportunities at that level, including the possibility of a ministerial or other executive appointment—similar to the trajectory of former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has demonstrated loyalty and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and if considered for any role within the Presidency, I have no doubt he will perform creditably.
Question:
Politics is often driven by interests, and it is widely believed that you may be aligned with a particular candidate. Findings suggest that you are close to Dr. Chimobi Desmond Anyaso (Ofuji) from the Umunna Bende political bloc, and that this relationship may be influencing your position. How accurate is this claim?
Answer:
Dr. Chimobi Desmond Anyaso is indeed a well-known figure in Bende politics and across Abia State, having been actively involved in the political landscape for some time. However, my stance on the zoning principle within Bende Federal Constituency is not influenced by any personal relationship with him or any individual.
My position is firmly rooted in the principles of fairness, equity, and justice, which I believe should guide the political direction of Bende. As I have consistently maintained, my position is non-partisan.
It is worth recalling that Dr. Anyaso contested for the House of Representatives seat for Bende Federal Constituency in 2019 and later served as the running mate to the YPP governorship candidate in 2023. Although he has not publicly declared any intention to contest in the forthcoming elections, such a development, if it occurs, would undoubtedly resonate with the aspirations of many people in Bende.
To the best of my knowledge, Dr. Anyaso is a renowned philanthropist who has consistently extended support to the people, addressing their needs and providing relief to those who feel neglected by their elected representatives.
If given the opportunity, I would strongly encourage him to heed the calls of his constituents and consider contesting in the 2027 general elections. I am confident that, should he decide to run, he would perform admirably.
That said, he has not formally communicated any political ambition to me.
However, if he eventually declares his intention, he is likely to enjoy widespread support based on his humanitarian contributions and demonstrated commitment to the welfare of the people.
Question:
If any aspirant outside the Umunna political bloc declares interest in contesting for the House of Representatives under Bende Federal Constituency and seeks your support, what would be your position?
Answer:
My position is clear and unequivocal. I will not support any candidate who is not from the Umunna bloc.
Question:
Can you clarify what you mean by Umunna and Ikwu Isii?
Answer:
Certainly. Umunna refers to Bende North, which comprises seven political wards: Igbere A, Igbere B, Item A, Item B, Item C, Alayi Ward, and Ugwueke/Ezukwu Ward.
On the other hand, Ikwu Isii represents Bende South, which consists of six political wards, namely: Umuhu Ezechi Ward (my ward of origin), Bende Ward, Uzuakoli Ward, Umuimenyi Nkpa Ward, Ozuitem Ward, and Itumbuzo Ward.
It is also important to note that representation in the State House of Assembly is structured along these political wards. This zoning arrangement underscores the uniqueness of Bende politics, where there is a strong tradition of unity and collective decision-making.
Question:
What is your message to the people of Bende Federal Constituency?
Answer:
My message to the good people of Bende Federal Constituency is one of unity, fairness, and respect for our shared political heritage. I urge all stakeholders to uphold and adhere to the zoning principle established by our founding fathers, which was designed to promote peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and strong brotherhood between the two blocs—Bende North and Bende South.
As we approach the 2027 general elections, it is both just and equitable that we support a candidate from Umunna in Bende North to succeed Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu of Ikwu Isii in Bende South. By doing so, we reinforce the spirit of balance and inclusiveness that sustains our constituency.
May we continue to preserve our values, strengthen our unity, and uphold the zoning arrangement for the progress and stability of Bende Federal Constituency.
