By DADA. AYOKHAI
Prof Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House and incumbent representative of Owan federal constituency , is widely expected to seek re-election for a third term at the National Assembly.
While the legislator has made no official announcement, his actions and public demeanor suggest a strong inclination towards retaining his seat. Ihonvbere’s apparent bid underscores his commitment to continued representation of the Owan Federal Constituency.
The Owan federal constituency which
Comprises of Owan West and Owan East LGAs, witnessed a rotational arrangement in its representation at inception. A verbal pact, forged in 1999, stipulated a single-term alternation of the seat between the two councils.
Late Hon Benson Alegbe (Owan West) kicked off the rotation, serving from 1999-2003, followed seamlessly by Abdul Oroh (Owan East) from 2003-2007.
However, the accord eventually crumbled under unspecified pressures, throwing the constituency’s representational dynamics into flux. Sources indicate multiple factors contributed to the agreement’s breakdown, leaving the seat’s future trajectory uncertain.
Owan East Contenders Jockey for Position
Hon Abdul Oroh, a former House member, from owan East has kept a low profile in local politics following a bruising encounter with the Obaseki-Shaibu APC faction, His bid for the seat faces questions about his disengagement with the constituency.
Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe , a former gubernatorial aspirant, is seen by many Owan APC members as a deserving candidate, given his substantial financial and moral support for the party during the gubernatorial primaries and Gov Monday Okpebholo’s election. His claim to the ticket is rooted in loyalty and contribution.
Prof Ihonvbere, meanwhile, is leveraging his legislative achievements and influence as Majority Leader, a position granting him access to the party’s inner caucus. This perch could prove pivotal in securing support from higher echelons of the APC, particularly President Bola Tinubu.
