Stakeholders, youths, students, and union representatives from Ife-North Local Government Area of Osun State have issued a firm demand for the zoning of the 2027 House of Representatives ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Accord Party to their area. The call, made during a press conference on Monday, was led by a coalition of Ife-North indigenes, including those in the diaspora, who accused political leaders of decades of systemic exclusion. They emphasized that the demand is not a plea but a matter of justice and equitable representation within the Ife Federal Constituency.
The Coalition Chairman, Bolaji Olabode, stressed that Ife-North has long been overlooked despite its contributions to the region’s economy and electoral outcomes. “This is not a plea—it is a demand rooted in justice. Ife-North has waited long enough. Our relevance must go beyond elections into actual representation,” he declared. He noted that since the creation of Ife-North in 1989, the area has not produced a member of the House of Representatives or secured key appointive positions, a situation they described as unacceptable.
Emmanuel Oderinola, another stakeholder, highlighted the stark disparity between the area’s economic and political contributions and its lack of development and opportunities. “There is a clear imbalance—our contributions to the economy and elections are significant, yet development and opportunities remain minimal,” he said. The coalition pointed out that Ife-North, despite its size and population, continues to be marginalized in political appointments and electoral zoning.
Student leaders also joined the call, urging unity among residents to push the demand forward. Olalekan Johnson, popularly known as Idera, said, “This is the moment to convert our numbers into influence. We must stand together and demand our rightful place.” Similarly, Oluwafemi Oladele, known as Fresh, affirmed the youth’s readiness to mobilize. “We are ready to mobilise. The next phase will not be passive—we will be active participants in shaping our future,” he stated.
Babalola Taiwo, a youth leader, described the situation as generational marginalisation. “A whole generation is being sidelined. What we face is not a lack of capacity, but a system designed to exclude,” he said. The Coalition Secretary, Akinnibi Miftahudeen, emphasized that the demand transcends party lines and is grounded in fairness. “This is about fairness and equity. No political structure can remain credible while systematically excluding a people,” he added.
The coalition is calling for both the APC and Accord Party to immediately zone the 2027 House of Representatives ticket to Ife-North. They also urged Ife Central, Ife East, and Ife South local governments to support what they described as a new order based on justice and balanced representation. The group warned it would mobilize to ensure its demands are met. As political preparations for 2027 intensify, this demand underscores growing pressure for inclusive and equitable representation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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