By joshua 
Ododo’s decision to zone Idah Federal Constituency House of Representatives ticket to Ibaji Local Government, commendable
The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo’s decision to zone the Idah Federal Constituency House of Representatives ticket to Ibaji Local Government is commendable and a welcome development and has sets the stage for a Hon. Ogah Mark Okpanachi candidature which can ensure effective representation for Ibaji in the House of Representatives.
The decision for Ibaji Local Government to produce the next House of Representatives member to represent Idah Federal Constituency in Kogi State may have been driven by this factors:
1. Rotational Representation: There is a strong argument for rotational representation among the four local government areas in the constituency, namely Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela/Odolu, and Ofu. Ibaji’s turn is seen as a way to address perceived neglect and marginalization.
2. Block Votes: Ibaji is known for delivering block votes, which significantly influence election outcomes. This voting pattern will work in favor of a candidate from Ibaji.
3. Developmental Needs: Ibaji faces developmental challenges, including poor road infrastructure and annual flood disasters. Representation in the House of Representatives will help address these issues.
4. Oil Discovery: The discovery of oil in Ibaji has added weight to their demand for representation. The oil discovery has also led to disputes with neighboring communities, making effective representation crucial.
The sequence of representations at the lower chamber of the National Assembly since 1999 for Idah Federal Constituency has been:
1. Hon. Frank Ineke from Ibaji
2. Hon. J.J. Napoleon Idachaba from Idah
3. Hon. Ismaila Inah (Soulover) from Igalamela/Odolu
4. Hon. Emmanuel Egwu from Idah
5. Hon. David Zacharias from Ofu (incumbent representative 2019 to date).
A potential candidate that should be considered to win election seamlessly for APC is Hon. Ogah Mark Okpanachi. A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and CEO Anarock Global Services Limited is a potential credible candidate. He was among the pioneer member of APC during the party formation in 2013. The youths of Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area have demanded his candidacy, citing his visionary leadership and grassroots appeal. His leadership experience and visionary approach position him as a compelling candidate, capable of driving positive change and development in Idah Federal Constituency. His vision for the constituency’s future and ability to lead effectively could garner significant support from constituents most especially among Youths and Women Groups.
Hon. Ogah Mark Okpanachi background as a Certified Political Scientist and experience in political economy development likely has a strong grasp of the complexities and nuances of development in Idah Federal Constituency. This expertise can enable him to craft informed policies and initiatives that will address the constituency’s specific needs and challenges.
Akumabi Ojogbane MCAI
writing from Kaura Abuja