The Truth And Myth Of Ethiope Federal Constituency And The 2027 Election

By Comr. Timothy Ogheneovo Emorhakpor.

Politics in Ethiope Federal Constituency has, over the years, been shaped by tradition, power play, zoning sentiments, and the often-unspoken battle for supremacy among political actors.

As the countdown to the 2027 general election gradually begins, it has become imperative to separate truth from myth, reality from propaganda, and collective interest from personal ambition.

The recent political developments, particularly the aftermath of the Ethiope West Local Government APC Congress, have further brought these issues to the fore.

The outcome and reactions trailing the Ethiope West APC congress have clearly shown that the 2027 election will not be business as usual. It will not be a theatre where political titans merely clash over personal interests while the people watch helplessly.

Rather, the unfolding events suggest a political awakening, one that challenges the long-standing “might is right” mentality that some quarters have openly or subtly boasted about.

The congress exposed cracks in political structures once considered invincible and revealed that grassroots sentiments can no longer be ignored or suppressed.

Without mincing words, it now appears that the broader Ethiope Federal Constituency is set to rebuild itself politically. This rebuilding is not about erasing political differences, but about redefining engagement,giving way to brotherly politicking without rancour, hatred, or desperation.

The emerging narrative is one of maturity, where disagreements are handled without violence or bitterness, and where supremacy is no longer enforced by intimidation but earned through service, fairness, and acceptability.

For years, a powerful myth has lingered in Ethiope politics: that once a political structure is established, it remains unbeatable. The recent congress has debunked this myth.

Structures, no matter how formidable they appear, are only as strong as the people who believe in them. When the people feel alienated, ignored, or taken for granted, even the strongest political machinery can crumble overnight. This truth is now staring the constituency in the face.

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From the fallout of the LGA congress, it appears that the return of Hon Mrs Erhiatake Suenu-Ibori to the Green Chambers is slim. This assessment is not driven by personal sentiments but by political reality. The critical structures required to secure her second-term ticket no longer seem to tilt in her favour.

Alliances have shifted, loyalties have been tested, and the once-solid base appears fragmented.
No doubt, her possible return would come with significant advantages for Ethiope Federal Constituency. As the current Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, she has leveraged that strategic position to attract projects and touch lives across communities. Her tenure has shown how occupying a sensitive committee chairmanship can translate into tangible development, especially in a region that has historically suffered neglect.

The Niger Delta Development Commission remains one of the most influential interventionist agencies in Nigeria, and having a representative from Ethiope Federal Constituency at the helm of its legislative oversight is no small privilege. Roads, empowerment programs, scholarships, and community projects facilitated through this office have directly or indirectly benefited the constituency.

These are verifiable gains that even her strongest critics cannot deny.
However, politics is not driven by benefits alone; it is also guided by equity, fairness, and rotational understanding.

Should Hon. Erhiatake Suenu-Ibori fail to secure her second-term ticket, whoever emerges as her successor , no matter how competent will not be privileged to hold the office of Chairman, House Committee on NDDC. This reality means a potential loss of strategic advantage for Ethiope Federal Constituency at the national level. It is a painful truth, but one that must be acknowledged honestly.

For Erhiatake, her single term has also concluded the Ethiope West turn in the representation of the constituency. This turn began with Hon Chief Ben Igbakpa, whose tenure laid the foundation for Ethiope West’s presence in the Green Chambers.

The argument, therefore, is not about performance alone but about continuity, balance, and the moral burden of respecting informal zoning arrangements that have kept the constituency relatively peaceful.

The prevailing political dynamics now favour Ethiope East. By every measurable indicator, historical balance, political sentiment, and grassroots agitation, It is indeed Ethiope East’s turn to represent the people of Ethiope Federal Constituency in the Green Chambers of the National Assembly of Nigeria.

This shift is not an act of exclusion against Ethiope West but a call for inclusiveness and fairness across the constituency.

Another myth that must be addressed is the belief that zoning weakens competence. On the contrary, zoning, when properly managed, strengthens unity and gives every bloc a sense of belonging. Ethiope East is not short of capable, credible, and experienced individuals who can effectively represent the constituency.

What is required is a transparent, rancour-free process that allows the best to emerge without bitterness.
The 2027 election, therefore, stands as a defining moment.

It is a test of whether Ethiope Federal Constituency will continue down the old path of political hostility and winner-takes-all arrogance, or embrace a new culture of mutual respect and brotherhood.

The signs from recent events suggest that the people are tired of politics of intimidation and are yearning for leadership built on consensus and service.

In conclusion, the truth about the 2027 election is that power is shifting from godfathers to the people, from imposed candidates to negotiated leadership. The myth that one group must dominate perpetually has been shattered. What lies ahead is an opportunity for Ethiope Federal Constituency to set an example of peaceful political transition, anchored on equity, understanding, and collective progress. Whether political actors will rise to this occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the era of “might is right” is fast losing relevance in Ethiope politics.