|By Adejumo Adekunle
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edda Local Government Area, Chief Julius Ama Orji, has blasted traditional rulers in the area, urging them to halt what he described as reckless political endorsements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Orji issued the warning on Friday in Abakaliki while addressing journalists, insisting that equity must prevail in the contest for the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency seat.
He rejected calls for the continued occupation of the constituency by candidates from Afikpo Local Government Area, declaring that it is now the turn of Edda people to produce the next representative.
His remarks come amid controversy over the reported endorsement of the incumbent lawmaker, Iduma Igariwey, for a fourth term by monarchs from the Edda clan in December 2025.
“For the sake of equity and fairness, it’s the turn of the Edda people to produce the next lawmaker. We are not arguing about it. Even the people of Afikpo know this,” Orji stated.
The PDP stalwart further rebuked traditional institutions, urging them to focus on preserving culture and ensuring security rather than interfering in partisan politics.
He argued that the Afikpo axis has dominated the constituency for over two decades, holding the seat for about 20 years since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, while Edda has only had eight years.
“If this were a jointly owned property, why should one side continue to control it after 20 years?” he queried. “It is only fair that Edda takes its rightful turn.”
Orji also criticised past representation, accusing previous lawmakers from Afikpo of neglecting Edda and delivering little to no democratic dividends.
“We have suffered underrepresentation, underperformance, and self-serving leadership. Projects have been cornered by cronies while Edda people are left behind. This must stop,” he declared.
He called on traditional rulers to withdraw any support for aspirants from Afikpo and allow what he described as a just and overdue political transition.
The development signals rising political tension and power rotation debates within the constituency as stakeholders begin positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
