Politics is not built on entitlement; elections are won through strategic planning, grassroots acceptance, political calculation, and the ability to defeat an incumbent. Any political party serious about reclaiming or retaining the Abia North Senatorial seat in 2027 must approach the contest with realism and a winning formula, not sentiment alone.Politics

Ohafia remains one of the most politically influential blocs in Abia North and has consistently produced credible leaders with strong political structures. Presently, Abia State’s Deputy Governor, , is from Ohafia and has been serving in the current administration since 2023.

This political reality naturally places Ohafia at the center of discussions regarding power-sharing and equitable representation within Abia North. However, equity must go hand in hand with political pragmatism. If the Senate seat is eventually zoned to Ohafia, then fairness and political balancing demand that the position of Deputy Governor should rotate to Bende in order to maintain regional inclusion and preserve political harmony across Abia North.

Historically, successful political parties in Nigeria have understood the importance of balancing power among zones to avoid feelings of marginalization. No party can afford to concentrate major political positions within one bloc while expecting total unity from other blocs. Political stability is strengthened when every section feels represented.

More importantly, defeating an incumbent senator is never an easy task. Incumbents enjoy the advantages of visibility, existing political structures, federal reach, and established networks. Therefore, any party hoping to mount an effective challenge must present not just a candidate, but one with widespread acceptability, strong grassroots mobilization, financial capacity, strategic political alliances, and proven electoral value across the entire Abia North Senatorial District.

The debate, therefore, should not merely be about “whose turn it is,” but rather about who possesses the political strength, acceptability, structure, and strategy to secure victory for the party while maintaining equity among the component LGAs of Abia North.

Ohafia undoubtedly possesses capable leaders and strong political assets. Yet, for the sake of unity, justice, and sustainable political cooperation, any arrangement that gives Ohafia the Senate position should logically consider Bende for the Deputy Governorship position. This kind of political balancing has historically helped parties consolidate support, reduce internal divisions, and strengthen electoral success.

At the end of the day, elections are neither gifted nor donated; they are fought for, negotiated, strategically planned, and ultimately won through unity, structure, and the right political calculations.

— Emmanuel Kalu Olugu writes from Abiriba, Ohafia