A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edda clan of Edda Local Council, Ebonyi State, Chief Julius Ama Orji, also known as Ochiri Edda Worldwide, has called on traditional rulers in the area to refrain from reckless endorsements of aspirants ahead of the 2027 general election.
Call for Fairness in Representation
The community leader argued that those advocating for the continued representation of the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency by someone from Afikpo Local Council are being unfair to the people of Edda Local Council. He emphasized that it is now Edda's turn to hold the position.
Speaking on Friday in Abakaliki, Orji stated, "Equity demands that the people of Edda Council should produce the next federal legislator." His comments came in response to a purported endorsement of the incumbent member, Idu Igariwey, for a fourth term by monarchs from the Edda clan in December 2025.
Traditional Rulers Urged to Focus on Mandate
The PDP stalwart urged traditional rulers and institutions in the area to concentrate on their primary responsibilities of overseeing culture and safety within their domains, rather than involving themselves in political matters.
"For the sake of equity and fairness, it is the turn of the Edda people to produce the next lawmaker for the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency," Orji said. "We are not arguing about it with anybody. This is how it should be, and the people of Afikpo equally know this."
Historical Representation Imbalance
According to Orji, the people of Afikpo area have occupied the position for 20 years since the return of civilian rule in 1999, while Edda people have only held it for eight years. He likened the constituency to a property co-owned by both councils, questioning why Afikpo should continue to dominate after 20 years.
"If it were a property, both councils co-own it. So, one wonders why Afikpo people should continue to push to go back after spending 20 years in the position. We are saying it is Edda's turn to take a shot at the constituency," he added.
Lack of Democratic Dividends
Orji lamented that Edda people have never been adequately represented at the Green Chamber and challenged those previously elected from Afikpo Council to point to any democratic dividend they brought to Edda land.
"I call on our traditional rulers to stop any further move to endorse or support anybody from Afikpo Local Council who wants to contest this time around. It is Edda's turn to go for the constituency because we have been abysmally shortchanged," he concluded.
