Adavi Group Appeals to Ododo, Bello Over Alleged Breach of Zoning Process
A concerned group from the Upopouvete Clan in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State has appealed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene in what it described as a breach of due process in the selection of a candidate for the Adavi West State Constituency.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group commended the state leadership for zoning the House of Assembly seat to the Upopouvete Clan, acknowledging the decision as fair and capable of promoting unity and inclusion, particularly for the Adavi-Eba Ward, which it said had long faced marginalisation.
However, the group expressed concern that the process established by party leaders to ensure transparency and consensus may have been undermined. It alleged that no formal meeting had been convened by the clan or at the ward level to deliberate on or agree upon a consensus candidate.
According to the statement, the emergence of a candidate through the issuance of a nomination form outside the known process has raised questions about fairness and adherence to agreed procedures.
The group explained that the Upopouvete Clan is made up of four sub-clans—Ajemora, Ibadi, Okoro, and Emani—in order of seniority, noting that eight aspirants have so far indicated interest in the seat, with Ajemora producing the highest number.
It argued that, based on the principle of seniority and the zoning template, the candidate should emerge from the Ajemora sub-clan, being the eldest, to ensure equity and sustain unity within the clan.
The group warned that any deviation from the established arrangement could create tension and undermine cohesion, with possible implications for the electoral fortunes of the APC in the area.
It therefore urged Governor Ododo, Bello, and party stakeholders in Adavi LGA to investigate the development and restore a transparent, inclusive process that would produce a widely accepted candidate.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, and the success of the APC, while calling for fairness and justice in the conduct of the selection process.
Bellow s the press release:
APPEAL TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY Ahmed Usman Ododo, THE POLITICAL LEADER OF KOGI STATE, Yahaya Adoza Bello, AND THE ESTEEMED STAKEHOLDERS OF APC ADAVI LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Your Excellencies and distinguished stakeholders,
We sincerely express our profound appreciation for the wisdom, fairness, and leadership you have demonstrated in recognizing the Upopouvete Clan in Adavi as the eldest clan, and for zoning the Adavi West State Constituency House of Assembly seat accordingly.
This decision has brought hope, unity, and a sense of belonging to our people, particularly in Adavi-Eba Ward, which has long experienced marginalization.
While we remain grateful for this just and commendable decision, we humbly bring to your attention a matter of serious concern that threatens the peace and unity of the Upopouvete Clan and the integrity of the established process.
Since the announcement of this zoning arrangement, there has been widespread excitement and acceptance across Adavi. However, it is unfortunate that the transparent template and due process put in place by the leadership have allegedly been undermined.
To the best of our knowledge, no meeting has been convened by the Upopouvete Clan to deliberate or agree on a consensus candidate. Likewise, no formal consultation or aspirants’ meeting has been held at the ward level under the guidance of our political leaders.
Despite this, it has come to our notice that a nomination form has been issued to an individual outside the known and accepted process. This development raises serious concerns about fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for due process.
For clarity, the Upopouvete Clan is composed of four sub-clans in order of seniority:
Ajemora
Ibadi
Okoro
Emani
Presently, there are eight (8) aspirants from the clan:
Ajemora: Four (4) aspirants
Ibadi: One (1) aspirant
Okoro: Two (2) aspirants
Emani: One (1) aspirant
Given the principle of seniority and fairness, and in line with the respected template established by the stakeholders, it is only just and equitable that the candidate should emerge from Ajemora Sub-clan, being the eldest among the sub-clans.
We believe that any deviation from this process may create unnecessary tension, division, and dissatisfaction within the clan, which could ultimately affect the unity and electoral success of our great party, the APC.
In view of the above, we humbly appeal to Your Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, our revered leader Yahaya Adoza Bello, and the respected APC stakeholders in Adavi Local Government to kindly intervene, investigate this development, and ensure that due process, fairness, and justice prevail.
We are committed to peace, unity, and the success of our party, and we respectfully request that a transparent and acceptable process be restored to produce a credible and widely accepted candidate.
Thank you for your leadership, understanding, and continued commitment to justice and equity.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned group from Upopouvete Clan in Adavi LGA
