Leaders and chairmanship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Axis Two of Owan East Local Government Area have called on Governor Monday Okpebholo and the party leadership to uphold equity, fairness, and rotation in the selection of the next local government chairman.
The group, under the banner of Forum of Axis Two APC Chairmanship Aspirants and Leaders, expressed deep concerns over longstanding political marginalization of Axis Two communities. They cited a rotational agreement between Axis One and Axis Two, covering 11 wards, designed to alternate key political offices.
However, the group alleged that Axis One has dominated the chairmanship since 1999, producing eight chairmen compared to three from Axis Two. They also lamented Axis One’s dominance in major political appointments at state and federal levels.
The group highlighted that since 2018, the chairmanship seat has remained with Ihievbe community of Axis One for three consecutive terms, with a possible fourth term. This, they argued, would mean one community controlling the chairmanship for 12 uninterrupted years.
This imbalance, they warned, threatens party unity and grassroots loyalty, especially since Axis Two reportedly contributes most APC votes in the local government. Continuing this pattern would weaken APC’s grassroots base, breed political apathy, and potentially affect future elections.
The leaders emphasized that they are demanding what’s just, fair, and agreed upon, stating, “Loyalty must not be mistaken for weakness. Axis Two says: Enough is enough. Equity must prevail.”
Attendees included Hon. Justin Besta Ozeoya, Pastor Philip O. Imoukhuede, Dr. Gavin S. Daudu, Dr. Godwin Aidenagbo, and Dr. Dennis Oyakhire.
