By David Owei,Bayelsa

As political consultations are rife for the choice of consensus candidates for the All Progressives Congress across Bayelsa State, political stakeholders from the Ogbolomabiri axis of Nembe Local Government Area, have intensified calls for fairness and strict adherence to zoning principles in the allocation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded position emerging from a consultative meeting in Nembe, leaders, youth groups, and community influencers from Ogbolomabiri (Nembe Constituency I) insisted that the time has come for their axis to produce the next member of the House of Representatives under the APC platform.

Historical Imbalance Since 1999

Stakeholders highlighted what they described as a “longstanding structural imbalance” in representation since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

According to them, all individuals who have represented the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives have emerged from the Nembe-Bassambiri axis.

“Before the Fourth Republic, one Prof Telimoye Oguara, of Bassambiri served in the 3rd Republic. At the start of the Republic in 1999 to 2003, another Nembe Bassambiri son succeeded him, in the person of Barr. W.W. Wuku.

“Then followed by Hon. Michael Kalango (2003-2007) and Hon. Foingha Jephthar (2011-2019) who represented the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency for two tenures. Anytime it had been zoned to Nembe; it is the Nembe Bassambiri enclave leaving that got selected leaving out Ogbolomabiri completely from the political equation since 1999 till date.

“Now is the time for a son of Nembe Ogbolomabiri to pick the APC party’s ticket to win the general election. They might argue that Bassambiri is only constituency 2 and not 3.. But we are not micro zoning. Mini/Ikensi,/ Oluasiri are all part of the bassambiri stock . Just as Okoroma /Tereke are part of the Ogbolomabiri enclave.”The stakeholders reiterated.

They argued that, despite Ogbolomabiri constituting Nembe Constituency I and playing a significant role in the political and electoral strength of the federal constituency, it has never produced a federal lawmaker.

“This pattern has persisted for over two decades,” a community leader stated. “From before 1999 till date, representations at the National Assembly for Reps have consistently rotated within Bassambiri blocs, leaving Ogbolomabiri completely excluded. That is neither equitable nor sustainable.”

Call for Zoning in Line with Senatorial Precedent

The stakeholders drew parallels with the Bayelsa East Senatorial District, where zoning among Ogbia, Nembe, and Brass Local Government Areas has been largely respected since 1999, contributing to relative political stability and inclusiveness.
They emphasized that the same principle should now be applied to the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency, particularly as it is widely acknowledged that it is Nembe’s turn to produce the next representative.

“For equity, justice, and political balance, zoning must not only be preached—it must be practiced,” a youth leader noted. “Just as the senatorial district has rotated successfully among the LGAs, the federal constituency must now reflect internal equity within Nembe itself.”

Demand for an Ogbolomabiri Candidate

The group unanimously called on the APC, as the dominant political force in the state, to ensure that its ticket is zoned to Ogbolomabiri and that a consensus candidate emerges from the axis.

They stressed that beyond zoning, the choice of candidate must reflect competence, credibility, and a verifiable track record of service to the people.

“We are not asking for tokenism,” another stakeholder said. “We are demanding fairness backed by merit. The candidate must be someone with proven social capital, grassroots connection, and a history of commitment to public service.”

Warning Against Imposition of Unpopular Candidates

Stakeholders also warned against the imposition of aspirants who, in their view, have previously held public office but failed to inspire confidence or deliver meaningful impact.

They cautioned that recycling individuals with weak public trust—particularly those who have served as former state lawmakers or commissioners without tangible goodwill—could jeopardize the APC’s chances in the general elections.

“The electorate is more aware now,” a civil society representative remarked. “Candidates who have been tried and found wanting will face rejection at the polls. The APC cannot afford to gamble with unpopular figures.”

Again, it was hinted that some of those aspirants for the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency Seat in the APC are yet to teder their resignation from their political appointment as required by the law.

“Since they have failed to put in their resignation letters before attempting to contest for the seat, that’s a sign that they are only waiting to be endorsed from above instead of showcasing their agenda for a better Brass Nembe Federal Constituency. This can be used against the party in post primary litigations if these persons are cleared to contest.” The statement averred

A Test for APC’s Internal Democracy

Observers say the unfolding situation represents a critical test of the APC’s internal democracy and its commitment to fairness ahead of the primaries.
Stakeholders insist that adopting a consensus candidate from Ogbolomabiri with broad-based acceptance would not only correct historical imbalances but also strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.

“The path to victory is clear,” a party chieftain concluded. “Respect zoning, choose a credible Ogbolomabiri candidate, and carry the people along. Anything short of that risks division and electoral setback.”

As consultations continue, political watchers note that the decisions taken by the APC leadership in the coming week for expression of interest and nomination form sales, could significantly shape the party’s fortunes in Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency—and test its ability to balance power, equity, and electoral strategy.

By our correspondent

His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Olori Alade, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for initiating and implementing the Lagere flyover and dualisation projects, describing Lagere as “the nerve centre of Ifeland.

The royal father who received Governor Adeleke in his palace today also hailed the governor for developing the whole of Osun state contrary to the allegation of Edenisation being pushed in some quarters.

The royal majesty said from Ede, Imole’s development agenda spread to all parts of Osun state, declaring: “Mr Governor, you are positively touching the whole of Osun state.

“For us, we commend your infrastructure projects at Lagere. That point is the melting point of all local governments across Ifeland. From all corners of Ife, we have one thing or the other to do at Lagere.

“The road and the flyover are needed at Ile Ife. We appreciate your clear committment to get the projects completed. We urge you to compel the contractor to speed up the construction process“, the royal father declared.

“We have all seen that it is not Ede alone that is enjoying development. Alll towns and villages in our dear state are feeling your impacts. Under your leadership, Osun is looking good.

“God gives and takes power. God annointed you and you have served well. I pray for huge success at the poll. Continue to be godly with your clean hearts. It will end in praise”, the Ooni prayed.

Governor Adeleke who was accompanied by his cabinet members and special advisers updated the royal father on his visitation to Ile Ife, narrating that he is following up the Lagere flyover and dualisation projects to ensure early completion.

He assured the royal father of his total committment to even development of the state, explaining that he is pursuing a just and inclusive infrastructure and developmental agenda for all parts of Osun state.

Meanwhile, members of Igbekele Oluwa cooperative society in their thousands trooped out to host the governor in an endorsement rally held at Enuwa.

The president of the society, Chief Abubakar Bulliaminu Olanrewaju declared that the endorsement of the governor by his 30,000 members is a determination to ensure continuity of good governance across Osun state.

“Osun governance today is first class. We have all seen the roads, our bridges at Ife and others. We are not owing salaries. We are taking care of the people. We have seen all the good work of the governor.

“ We knew and experienced the period of previous governments. We feel the difference. We are investing in this re-election of Governor Adeleke because we don’t want the good job to stop.

“If possible, we want Ademola for a third term. We ask the governor to be re-assured. We will vote and stand by our votes. Our members are more than 30,000”, the president who later conducted an endorsement vote stated at the rally.

In his response, the governor who commended the Commissioner for Empowerment and Cooperatives, Bayo Ogungbangbe, restated his commitment to deploying the cooperative movement as a vehicle for inclusive financing and expansion of the grassroots economy, adding that “our administration created a unique focus for all the sectors of our society.

“We uplift teachers, healthworkers, women, youth, tech communities and the cooperative movement. Our government is about the people, of the people and for the people.

“As your governor, the cooperative movement is of interest to me because grassroots financing is the lifeline of the society. The more vibrant the cooperative movement, the more buoyant the local economy. Any government that supports cooperative movement is boosting local businesses and fighting poverty among the people.

“That is why our government is committing several billions of naira to the cooperative movement. You are all living witnesses to our achievements within your sector. We are committed to increasing financing for the cooperative movement. We value you as a committed partner with our government in our drive to take Osun to greater heights.

“I therefore thank you for this endorsement. I task you to go out and mobilise for our re-election. Embark on House to house mobilisation among cooperative members. Our second term will witness enhanced support for the cooperative movement”, the governor told the cheering crowd.

By Our Correspondent

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council.

According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.

Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.

Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD .) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.

The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.

The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”

Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.

The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”