Home News Edo LG polls: Why North Ivie Deserves Etsako East Chairmanship Slot

Edo LG polls: Why North Ivie Deserves Etsako East Chairmanship Slot

by Our Reporter
By Oscar Okhifo
As the 2026 local government elections in Edo State draws closer, the North Ivie zone, has called made a unanimous demand that the Etsako East Local Government Chairmanship seat be zoned to them.
They noted that despite their solidarity and participation in electioneering processes in over two decades, they have only produced the chairman once.
North Ivie is a stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),voting massively in the last governorship election for Senator Monday Okpebholo. They also queued behind Adams Oshiomhole and Dekeri Anamero, who both won elections into the Senate and House of Representatives respectively.
The zone has however been often overlooked in key elective positions, fuelling demand for a reverse by its political leaders.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Convener, North Ivie People’s Voice, Mr Abdullahi Shaibu,called on the political leaders of the zone to reward the loyalty of the people by ceding the Etsako East chairmanship to them.
Titled, “Etsako East LGA Election: North Ivie zone is unanimous in its chairmanship demands,” the body said the demand is the collective decision of its people, old and young.
The statement read, “We, the North Ivie People’s Voice wishes to bring to the attention of the good people of Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, and indeed all leaders and stakeholders, the unanimous demand of the people of Ivie zone regarding the forthcoming LGA chairmanship election.
“Both the elderly and the younger generation of Ivie are united in one voice: the time has come for equity, fairness, and justice to prevail.
“Since the return of democracy in 1999, Ivie zone has only occupied the chairmanship seat for a year and three months, through our daughter, Hon. Benedicta Attoh, who unfortunately was removed from office.
“This undeniable fact shows the obvious marginalisation Ivie has suffered over the years in political appointments and elective positions, not only at the local government level but also at the state level, where Ivie has consistently been left out.
“It is therefore only fair and just that in the spirit of inclusiveness and equity, the next chairmanship of Etsako East LGA should be zoned to Ivie.”
The statement added that “The people of Ivie are resolute, united, and determined in this demand. We appeal to our leaders, stakeholders, and political actors across Etsako East to recognise this historical injustice and correct it by ensuring that Ivie is given the opportunity to produce the next chairman.
“This is not just a demand; it is a call for justice. It is not just about Ivie, but about building a stronger, united, and equitable Etsako East where every zone has a sense of belonging.”
That said, the body called on political actors of North Ivie extraction to indicate interest in the chairmanship contest without further delay.
“In the light of this, we call on all illustrious sons and daughters of Ivie who are qualified and interested in serving, to come out boldly and declare their ambition for the chairmanship seat. The time has come for Ivie to take its rightful place in the leadership of Etsako East.
“We believe that when fairness is upheld, peace and development will follow,” the statement added

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