A former member of the House of Representatives and APP Senatorial Candidate for Orlu Zone, Rt. Hon. Rufus Omeire, has dismissed claims that the Ideato Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat is subject to zoning, insisting that no such arrangement has ever existed in the constituency.
Omeire, in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, said political aspirants should focus on convincing voters rather than relying on what he described as a non-existent zoning formula.
According to him, the current member representing Ideato Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, emerged through the collective will of the people and not through any zoning arrangement.
“Let us be honest with ourselves and the younger generation. Ideato has never had zoning for the House of Representatives seat. Therefore, candidates should go and convince the people to vote for them instead of relying on something that does not exist,” he said.
The former lawmaker argued that Ugochinyere’s electoral victory was the result of widespread support across political parties and local government areas in the constituency.
He recalled that during the election that produced Ugochinyere, one of his strongest challengers was an incumbent lawmaker from Ideato South, yet voters overwhelmingly chose the current representative.
Omeire, who is also from Ideato South, maintained that the absence of zoning was evident in previous electoral contests, noting that he himself sought a second term in office without any restriction based on zoning considerations.
He cited past representatives from the same local government area who succeeded one another, saying the history of representation in the constituency contradicts claims of rotational arrangements.
The APP senatorial candidate also defended Ugochinyere’s performance in office, describing him as a courageous and energetic representative who enjoys the confidence of the people.
He particularly credited the lawmaker with facilitating federal attention to infrastructure in the area, including efforts that led to the approval of funds for work on a major bridge project in Ideato.
Omeire argued that frequent changes in representation have often deprived the constituency of sustained federal influence and development, adding that continuity in leadership could help consolidate ongoing projects and attract more benefits to the area.
He urged residents to remain focused on issues of development and effective representation rather than political distractions, expressing confidence that Ugochinyere would continue to enjoy the support of the electorate.
According to him, the people of Ideato have found in Ugochinyere a representative capable of advancing their interests at the national level and should be allowed to continue the work he has started.
Omeire further called for unity and collective efforts towards promoting peace, progress and prosperity across the Orlu Zone.
