Community group, Ohaji Patriotic Forum, OPF, has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma and the leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, both at the state and national level, informing them of what it described as long-standing marginalisation of Ohaji block in the House of Representatives positions since 1999 till date.
The group is urging for urgent intervention of the political figures in addressing the growing concerns surrounding the alleged injustice in the just concluded APC primary for Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and Oru West Federal Constituency.
The appeal was contained in an open letter made available to Journalists in Owerri, jointly signed by the National Chairman of the forum, Mazi Bethel Nwanorim and its Secretary, Christopher Ekeocha.
According to OPF, the current political developments within the Constituency appear to undermine the long-standing zoning and rotational understanding that has historically promoted peace, fairness, inclusion, and political balance among the four blocs that made up the Constituency.
The Forum in the letter expressed concern over what it described as an alleged attempt to deny the Ohaji bloc the opportunity to produce the APC candidate for the Federal House of Representatives despite what it termed an existing mutual understanding on rotational representation within the constituency.
“We write on behalf of the members and leadership of the Ohaji Patriotic Forum ,OPF, a socio-political organization committed to the promotion of justice, equity, fairness, unity, and peaceful coexistence within the Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and Oru West Federal Constituency.
“At a well-attended meeting of our organization, members extensively deliberated on the current political situation surrounding the APC House of Representatives ticket ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Following careful consultations and reviews, the Forum resolved to respectfully appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leadership of our great party, the APC leadership in Imo State, and Governor Hope Uzodinma not to allow the alleged injustice against the Ohaji people to prevail.”
The group pointed out that the existing zoning and political power-sharing arrangement within the Federal Constituency has, over the years, served as a stabilizing mechanism for political inclusion, equity, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence among the constituent areas.
It lamented that it is deeply painful and regrettable that the Ohaji bloc is allegedly being denied what many believe to be its rightful turn under the existing political understanding, having waited patiently since 1999.
OPF further noted that the Ohaji people have remained steadfast supporters of Governor Hope Uzodinma and the APC over the years, demonstrating loyalty and commitment during various elections and political engagements.
It added that it is disheartening that echoes of marginalisation and political exclusion are still being raised by the same people who have remained loyal and supportive to APC and Uzodinma.
The Forum also referenced an alleged written agreement said to have been voluntarily entered into prior to the 2023 elections between Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu and the leadership of Ogbako Ohaji regarding rotational representation within the constituency.
According to OPF, the agreement, which has reportedly become public knowledge, reflected a shared commitment to political equity and fairness among the constituent blocs.
“It is unfortunate and disappointing that a serving member of the National Assembly would allegedly seek to disregard an agreement freely entered into before respected leaders and stakeholders. Leadership must continue to be built on integrity, honour, trust, credibility, and respect for commitments made before the people.
“Any attempt to undermine such agreements weakens public confidence in political leadership and democratic values, while also sending the wrong signal to younger generations who look up to public office holders as examples of accountability and honour,” the group asserted.
Despite expressing their grievances, the Forum, however, commended Uzodinma over what it described as his developmental strides and infrastructural achievements recorded across the state, also used the medium to appeal to him to ensure that justice, fairness, and equity prevail in this matter.
OPF maintained that the people of Ohaji remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to democratic processes, while urging all stakeholders to act responsibly to preserve unity and political stability within the constituency.
“We passionately appeal to Mr President, the APC leadership and Governor Uzodinma to urgently intervene, uphold the principles of justice and fairness by urging all political actors to respect the established zoning understanding, and ensure that Ohaji bloc is given the opportunity many believe rightfully belongs to it.
“We also encourage all sons and daughters of Ohaji to remain peaceful, united, law-abiding, and steadfast in the pursuit of justice through lawful and democratic means, ”it further added.
The Forum concluded by expressing confidence that the leadership of the APC at both the national and state levels would act in the interest of fairness, equity, party unity, and lasting peace within the Federal Constituency.
