By Felix Igboanugo
A growing call for equity, justice, and fairness has emerged in Anambra West Local Government Area, as stakeholders advocate for the zoning of the 2026/2027 State House of Assembly seat to the Igala zone.
This development followed concerns over decades of political imbalance, particularly referencing the long-standing representation by the late Rt. Hon. Barr. Ekwualor Benjamin from the Igala zone, prompting renewed questions about fairness and inclusion.
While some voices from Anam argued that political power is neither given nor negotiated but fought for, others insist there was never any formal agreement mandating rotation of the House of Assembly seat between Anam and Igala.
However, proponents of zoning maintained that such arguments overlook key historical realities, noting that the tenure of the late Ekwualor dates back to a period when Anambra was part of the old Anambra State, which included present-day Enugu and parts of Ebonyi.
Drawing parallels with national politics, stakeholders highlight how zoning arrangements between Northern and Southern Nigeria have ensured balance in leadership, arguing that without such frameworks, the South might have been disadvantaged.
At the state level, the zoning principle adopted by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is cited as a model of fairness, which enabled Chief Willie Obiano from Anambra North Senatorial District to emerge as gyovernor despite strong political competition from other zones.
Concerns have also been raised about representation at the federal level, with reports indicating that Anambra East has produced more members of the House of Representatives than Anambra West since Nigeria’s return to democracy, a situation some described as marginalization.
Amid these concerns, stakeholders are calling for a clear and formal agreement between Anam and Igala, proposing that the 2027 State House of Assembly seat be zoned to the Igala zone in the spirit of equity, justice, and fairness.
They stressed that the call is not meant to create division but to promote unity and balanced representation, warning that emerging political developments, including the upcoming August 2026 mayoral election and current leadership dynamics, may concentrate power in one zone.
Stakeholders, therefore, urged all registered political parties to zone their tickets to the Igala zone, emphasizing that fairness, unity, and peaceful coexistence require that every group is given a sense of belonging, in line with the principle that what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.
Felix is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
