2027: Ideato Constituency Has No Zoning Arrangement, Omeire Tells Ugochinyere’s Opponents

Rufus Omeire, a former House of Representatives member and senatorial candidate for the Orlu Zone in Imo State, has refuted claims that the Ideato Federal Constituency seat is subject to a rotational arrangement. Omeire asserted that the election of the constituency's representative is solely determined by the will of the people, not by any political procedure.

He criticized unnamed opponents who accused incumbent Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere of benefiting from a zoning arrangement, dismissing the claims as an attempt by retired politicians to regain relevance. Omeire, who hails from Ideato South LGA, argued that Ugochinyere's election was based on the trust of the electorate, who elected him despite his absence from the country at the time.

He emphasized that Ideato had no zoning, and Ugochinyere is not a product of such an arrangement. The senator cited historical evidence, including the succession of other former representatives from Ideato North, to support his claim. Omeire also highlighted Ugochinyere's successful victory over his closest challenger, an incumbent from Ideato South, in court, further disproving the zoning allegations.

He defended Ugochinyere's record, pointing to his advocacy for infrastructure projects in the constituency, particularly a bridge project for which President Bola Tinubu approved N26 billion. The APP senatorial candidate accused Ugochinyere's critics of resorting to a "kindergarten attack" and accused them of seeking attention and extending their political tenure.

Omeire argued that continually replacing representatives after one term undermines development, urging for continuity and meaningful progress in the constituency. He called for Ugochinyere to be allowed to continue in office, citing his demonstrated capacity, energy, and courage to represent the people effectively. Omeire warned his political opponents that the lawmaker would be prepared for a fierce contest on the day of the election, emphasizing that Ideato's interests should take precedence over individual political ambitions.