By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The Diaspora Support Team of Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has appealed for equity and fairness in the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency representation.

The Spokesperson of team, Mr Michael Uyiosa Edobor, made the appeal in an address to the Edo governor, APC leaders, and the party’s National Executive Council.

He described the call as a principled demand rooted in justice, inclusion, and balanced democratic representation.

He said historical patterns showed imbalance in representation between Egor and Ikpoba-Okha local government areas since 1999.

According to him, Ikpoba-Okha has produced five representatives, while Egor has produced only two within seven electoral cycles.

Edobor listed former representatives to support his position on the imbalance in political representation.

They include Sunny Aguebor (1999–2003) from Ikpoba-Okha, Jim Adun (2003–2007) from Ikpoba-Okha, Ifaluyi Isibor from Egor (2007–2011), Jim Adun (2011–2015) from Ikpoba-Okha, E.J. Agbonayinma (2015–2019) from Ikpoba-Okha.

Others are Jude Ise-Idehen (2019–2023) from Ikpoba-Okha and Murphy Omoruyi from Egor (2023 to date).
Edobor said such disparity required urgent redress in line with democratic fairness and political balance.

“We respectfully renew this earnest appeal in the spirit of fairness, justice and equity. This is not merely political, but a call to uphold principles sustaining unity.

“History shows that balanced leadership strengthens institutions. Where justice prevails, trust grows; where inclusion thrives, loyalty is deepened among the people.

“Nigeria itself demonstrates equitable representation through deliberate inclusion and regional balance. Fairness remains a functional foundation for sustainable leadership and national harmony,” he said.

He said the governor’s emergence reflected the same principle of fairness and equitable power distribution.

Edobor noted that Egor’s case was based on verifiable records, not sentiment, stressing that fairness demanded the next opportunity be given to Egor.

He cited constituencies like Orhiomnwon/Uhunmwode and Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West as examples of effective rotational representation.
According to him, such arrangements have fostered stability, trust, and political harmony in those constituencies.

He added that supporting Egor would not diminish Ikpoba-Okha but would reinforce unity and inclusiveness.

Edobor also recalled calls for a power shift to Edo Central, noting that such demands were anchored on fairness and balanced representation.

“It is in the same spirit that we call for Egor to produce the next representative. This aligns with principles already embraced across the state.

“Equity must not be selective. To preserve its moral authority, it must be applied consistently at all levels of representation.

“Ensuring Egor produces the next representative will strengthen unity, enhance credibility and deepen public confidence in democratic governance.”

He said equity must be demonstrated in practice and not remain a theoretical concept.

Edobor said inclusive governance would reassure all communities of their stake in the political process.

He added that the appeal was also aimed at strengthening internal party cohesion and electoral confidence.

He said ignoring the principle of balance could undermine trust and weaken democratic values within the constituency.

Edobor urged leaders to act in line with justice, noting that Edo people at home and in the diaspora were watching closely.

He emphasised that fairness remained key to sustainable governance and enduring unity.