OTA STATE CONSTITUENCY RESIDENTS DEMAND EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION IN 2027 ELECTION

 

Residents of Ota State Constituency in Ogun State, Nigeria, are calling for equitable political representation in the upcoming 2027 election. The constituency, comprising eight wards divided into urban and rural zones, has historically been dominated by urban wards in political representation. This has led to the marginalization of rural areas, including Ijoko, Ilogbo, Iju, and Atan wards, which have been denied representation in the Ogun State House of Assembly for years.

The residents are urging political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to zone the House of Assembly candidacy to the rural zone, specifically Ilogbo ward. They believe that this will promote equitable representation, drive infrastructure development, and recognize the economic and electoral contributions of rural communities. The residents cite several reasons for this demand, including the need to address political marginalization, prioritize infrastructure development, and recognize the cultural and traditional significance of rural areas.

The rural zone has significant economic importance, with major markets and motorbike operators contributing substantially to the constituency's internally generated revenue. Despite this, rural areas have been neglected, with poor road networks, unreliable electricity, and outdated school facilities. The residents believe that a representative from Ilogbo ward would prioritize these neglected areas and advocate for projects that address critical needs.

The demand for equitable representation in Ota State Constituency highlights the need for inclusive governance and development in the region. Neglecting rural areas politically has far-reaching consequences, including economic stagnation, voter apathy, social inequity, and undermining democracy. By zoning the ticket to Ilogbo ward, political parties can demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and foster unity across the constituency.

The residents are calling on political parties to prioritize rural development and zone the Ota State Constituency House of Assembly ticket to Ilogbo ward in the 2027 election. This, they believe, will ensure that the rural communities are given a voice and are represented in the governance structure of the state. The outcome of this demand will be closely watched, and it remains to be seen how political parties will respond to the call for equitable representation.