April 22, (THEWILL) — As political consultations are rife for the choice of consensus candidates for the All Progressives Congress (APC) 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 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.
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 from 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 was the Nembe Bassambiri enclave that got selected, leaving out Ogbolomabiri completely from the political equation since 1999 to 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. 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”, a community leader stated.
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 emphasised 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 practised. Just as the senatorial district has rotated successfully among the LGAs, the federal constituency must now reflect internal equity within Nembe itself”, a youth leader noted.
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 a 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 connections, and a history of commitment to public service.”
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 jeopardise 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 tender 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
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.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
