The Otukpo/Ohimini Equity Movement has thrown its weight behind Ambassador Lilian Ofie-Adoyi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election, saying the contest should be about fairness, rotation and equal political opportunity.
The group said its position followed growing concerns that the established political understanding between Otukpo and Ohimini was being eroded, with residents increasingly worried that the federal constituency could be perceived as the preserve of a particular family or political bloc.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Mr Isreal Achichi, and Secretary, Dr Audu Emmanuel, the movement congratulated Ofie-Adoyi on her emergence as the PDP candidate and described her candidacy as an opportunity to restore what it called the traditional balance between the two local government areas.
The group argued that the constituency had historically operated an informal rotational arrangement between Otukpo and Ohimini.
It cited Hon. Adah Ejiga of Otukpo, who represented the constituency from 1999 to 2003, and Hon. Agbo Oga of Ohimini, who succeeded him between 2003 and 2007.
According to the movement, Hon. Nelson Alapa of Otukpo served from 2007 to 2011, while Hon. Ezekiel Adaji of Ohimini represented the constituency from 2011 to 2019.
It further argued that the continued representation of Otukpo through Hon. Blessing Onyeche Onuh meant the area had enjoyed eight years in the current cycle, making Ohimini the next logical beneficiary of the rotation.
Onuh has represented Otukpo/Ohimini in the House since 2019 and is the daughter of former Senate President David Mark.
The movement, however, stressed that its position should not be interpreted as a personal attack on Onuh or her family.
“Our position is not a rejection of any individual; rather, it is a demand that the principle of equitable rotation be respected,” the group said.
It said the controversy was bigger than the identity of any candidate, arguing that public offices should not create the impression of permanent ownership by individuals or families.
The group recalled David Mark’s long representation of the area in the Senate and said the length of his political career made it even more important for other qualified citizens to have opportunities to serve.
It stressed that its objection was not based on Onuh’s relationship with the former Senate President, but on what it described as the danger of allowing political representation to be perceived as a family inheritance.
“No family, individual or political group should be perceived as having a permanent claim to public office,” the movement said.
The group maintained that the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency belongs to its people and should not be treated as a hereditary political estate.
It urged the PDP and other political stakeholders to openly address the zoning issue and ensure that the interests of both Otukpo and Ohimini are considered ahead of the 2027 election.
The movement also called on supporters of the various candidates to maintain peace, saying the ultimate power to decide who represents the constituency rests with the electorate.
It said its support for Ofie-Adoyi was therefore based on its belief that the 2027 election could provide an opportunity to broaden political participation, restore the rotational understanding and prevent the constituency from being associated with a permanent political dynasty.