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By Chukwudi Abiandu

A growing and palpable sense of indignation is sweeping through Odiani. It is not born of envy or rivalry, but of prolonged exclusion, quiet endurance, and a deepening feeling of political emasculation in the affairs of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

For 28 unbroken years, the Aniocha North State Constituency seat in the Delta State House of Assembly has remained firmly in the grip of Ezechime. Election after election, transition after transition, Odiani has watched from the sidelines—unconsidered, unheard, and unrewarded. This is not equity. It is not fairness. And it certainly does not reflect the ideals of inclusiveness we loudly champion at higher levels of governance.

Nigeria, with all its complexities, learned long ago that exclusion is dangerous. That lesson informed the rotation of the presidency between North and South, a decision that has brought relative balance, stability, and a sense of belonging. Delta State followed that wisdom by rotating the governorship among the three senatorial districts. Equity worked because it acknowledged diversity and respected shared ownership of power.

Why, then, has Aniocha North refused to learn this same lesson?

With three distinct clans in the local government area, how has it become acceptable for one clan, Ezechime, to dominate a key elective position for nearly three decades while Odiani remains perpetually sidelined? Where is the brotherliness we profess? Where is the oneness we preach? It is a bitter contradiction to demand equity at the national and state levels while denying it at home. For the record, the state house of assembly elective office has been held by Barrister Chris Njeokwuemeni, four years; Engineer Victor Ochei 12 year. Currently, Engr Emeke Nwaobi, Ph.D, will be completing his 12 years by next year. All of them are of the Ezechime clan.

This advocacy is not an attack on Ezechime, nor is it an attempt to erase past contributions. It is a principled call for balance. No single clan should hold both political advantage and moral authority indefinitely. Power that circulates strengthens unity; power that stagnates breeds resentment.

The year 2027 presents a defining moment. The Aniocha North State Constituency seat should, in the spirit of justice and fairness, rotate to Odiani. This is not a plea for charity but a demand for right. Odiani deserves a sense of belonging in Aniocha North politics; something it has been denied for far too long.

Let it be clearly stated: Odiani has capable, competent, and committed sons and daughters who can represent the constituency with distinction. Denying them the opportunity is not only unfair, it is counterproductive to the collective progress of Aniocha North.

Equity is not a slogan to be deployed selectively. It is a principle that must be lived and practiced, especially among brothers. If we truly believe in inclusiveness, then the political emasculation of Odiani must end.

The call is simple, just, and overdue: 2027 should belong to Odiani.

• Chukwudi Abiandu, Political Analyst and Advocate for Good Governance writes from Asaba.