Enone 2027: ADC stakeholders push for reps ticket to be zoned to Okpokwu

Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State have called on the leadership of the party to zone its House of Representatives ticket for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency to Okpokwu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The stakeholders argued that zoning the ticket to Okpokwu would improve the party’s chances in the election, especially following the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate from the area.

IDOMA VOICE reports that Anthony Agom emerged as the APC flagbearer for the constituency after the party’s controversial primary election held during the weekend in Enone.

The stakeholders maintained that presenting an ADC candidate from Okpokwu would create a stronger political balance and give the opposition party a better opportunity to compete effectively in the constituency.

They also pointed to the existing zoning arrangement within the federal constituency, insisting that equity and political considerations favour Okpokwu in the build-up to the 2027 polls.

Recall that Aida Nath Ogwuche had earlier emerged as the consensus candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the seat.

Speaking with Idoma Voice, a party leader from Okpokwu, who pleaded anonymity, said the ADC must adopt a strategic approach if it hopes to challenge the APC and PDP in the constituency.

“We must be realistic and strategic as a party. Since the APC candidate is already from Okpokwu, it will strengthen our chances if the ADC also presents a credible candidate from the same axis,” he said.

According to him, zoning the ticket to Okpokwu would help the party consolidate support across the local government and attract sympathy from voters who believe in fairness and equity.

“If we get it right now, ADC can become a strong force in Enone politics ahead of 2027. The zoning arrangement clearly favours Okpokwu at this moment,” he added.

Another party member from the Edumoga axis urged aspirants from Ogbadibo to support the move, noting that unity within the party would improve the ADC’s chances in the election.

“With APC already fielding Anthony Agom from Okpoga, it makes political sense for ADC to also look towards Okpokwu. That way, we can stand shoulder to shoulder with the bigger parties in the contest,” the stakeholder said.

He further appealed to party members across the constituency to put aside personal interests and work towards presenting a formidable candidate capable of challenging both the APC and PDP in the 2027 election.