The Otukpo/Ohimini Equity Movement has thrown its weight behind Ambassador Lilian Ofie-Adoyi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 National Assembly election, urging stakeholders to uphold the zoning arrangement between the two local government areas that make up the federal constituency.

The group said its position was not a personal attack on Ofie-Adoyi’s opponent but a response to what it described as growing concerns that political representation in Otukpo/Ohimini should not become a family affair or permanent political inheritance.

The movement was reacting to the continued representation of the constituency by Hon. Blessing Onyeche Onuh, who has represented Otukpo/Ohimini in the House of Representatives since 2019. Onuh is the daughter of former Senate President David Mark.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Mr Isreal Achichi, and Secretary, Dr Audu Emmanuel, the group congratulated Ofie-Adoyi on her emergence as the PDP candidate, saying her candidacy offered an opportunity to restore what it described as equitable rotation between Otukpo and Ohimini.

The movement said its understanding of the zoning arrangement showed a pattern of rotation between the two local government areas.

According to the group, Hon. Adah Ejiga of Otukpo represented the constituency from 1999 to 2003, followed by Hon. Agbo Oga of Ohimini from 2003 to 2007.

It said Hon. Nelson Alapa of Otukpo served from 2007 to 2011, while Hon. Ezekiel Adaji of Ohimini represented the constituency from 2011 to 2019.

The group said Onuh’s representation from 2019 to 2027 would amount to eight years for Otukpo, arguing that the next turn should therefore go to Ohimini.

It said the emergence of Ofie-Adoyi had provided an opportunity for voters to consider a candidate from the other axis under the rotation arrangement.

“Our position is not a rejection of any individual; rather, it is a demand that the principle of equitable rotation be respected,” the movement said.

The group also expressed concern over what it described as the growing perception that political positions were being passed from one family member to another.

It recalled that David Mark had represented the area in the Senate for about 25 years and argued that political representation should remain open to other qualified citizens.

The movement stressed that its concern was not that Onuh is the daughter of a former Senate president, but that no family, individual or political group should be perceived as having a permanent claim to public office.

“Democracy must remain open to all qualified citizens, and political opportunity must be based on fairness, competence and the will of the people,” it said.

The group urged the PDP and other stakeholders to address the zoning controversy openly and engage residents of Otukpo and Ohimini ahead of the 2027 election.

It also called on residents to remain peaceful and exercise their democratic rights, saying the final decision on who represents the constituency should rest with the electorate.

The movement said its support for Ofie-Adoyi was driven by its belief that the 2027 election should provide an opportunity to restore political rotation, widen participation and prevent the constituency from being associated with a permanent political dynasty.