Prince Arthur Eze’s Dunukofia Seeks Equity, Appeals to Political Parties for 2027 Reps Seat

By Tony Okafor, Awka

A coalition of traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders from Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State has issued an open letter to the national chairmen of political parties, urging them to zone the 2027 House of Representatives ticket for the Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency to Dunukofia in the interest of equity and inclusivity.

Our correspondent learnt that oil mogul Prince Arthur Eze hails from Dunukofia LGA, while his brother, HRH Igwe Dr. Robert Eze (Okofia VI), a signatory to the appeal, is the traditional ruler of Ukpo, one of the towns in Dunukofia.

The appeal, addressed to the leadership
of major parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), among others, highlights what the signatories described as a “prolonged imbalance” in representation within the constituency.

The Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency, often referred to as DNA, comprises three local government areas: Dunukofia with 14 political wards, Njikoka with 18 wards, and Anaocha with 19 wards.

In the letter, the stakeholders noted that representation in the House of Representatives over the past 28 years has alternated between Njikoka and Anaocha, with the former holding the seat for 16 years and the latter for 12 years.

Dunukofia, they said, has not produced a representative within the period, a situation they argued has fostered a sense of marginalisation among its people.

“This prolonged absence has not gone unnoticed. It has created a feeling of alienation and exclusion from national discourse among the people of Dunukofia,” the letter stated, adding that despite their consistent participation in elections and contributions to the constituency, they have remained on the sidelines of federal representation.

The stakeholders disclosed that traditional rulers and community leaders from Dunukofia had initiated consultations with their counterparts in Njikoka and Anaocha, seeking support for a rotational arrangement that would allow Dunukofia produce the next representative.

According to the letter, the outreach has yielded positive results, with leaders from the neighbouring local government areas expressing support for the proposal.

“Their gracious reception and approval signal a shared commitment to justice and mutual respect among the three local governments,” the statement read.

On the strength of this consensus, the group appealed to political parties to zone their 2027 tickets for the constituency exclusively to candidates from Dunukofia.

They argued that such a decision would not only correct what they described as a historical imbalance but also strengthen unity and democratic participation across the constituency.

The stakeholders listed several anticipated benefits of the proposed zoning arrangement, including the promotion of fairness, enhancement of peace and cohesion, and recognition of the patience and loyalty demonstrated by the people of Dunukofia over the years.

They further commended the people and leadership of Njikoka and Anaocha for what they described as their “magnanimity and commitment to the greater good,” noting that conceding the seat would require sacrifice but would ultimately deepen trust within the constituency.

“We believe democracy is not only about numbers but also about fairness, compassion and deliberate inclusion of all voices,” the letter added.

The appeal was jointly signed by traditional rulers and president-generals from the six communities that make up Dunukofia LGA.

Among the signatories are HRH Igwe Dr. Robert Eze (Okofia VI), Igwe of Ukpo; HRM Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno (JP), Igwe of Ifitedunu; Igwe Engr Ben Anochie (Agidigbo), Igwe of Umunnachi; High Chief Dr. Ben Amuta, Ugochukwutubelu Dunukofia and Regent of Umudioka; HRH Igwe Peter Uyanwa (Ezedike), Igwe of Ukwulu; and HRH Igwe George Okaa-Onwuogu, Igwe Orachili of Nawgu.

Also signatories are Chief Sir Cyrilwalter Ezewulu, President-General of Ukpo; Prof. Stephen Ufuaro, President-General of Ifitedunu; Engr Ofodile Anieto, President-General of Umunnachi; Chief Onyechi Val Adinnu, President-General of Umudioka; Hon. Uba Ayiofu, President-General of Ukwulu; and Hon. Mathew Ibebugwu, President-General of Nawgu.

The group expressed optimism that party leaders would consider their request in line with democratic ideals and the need to ensure that every segment of the constituency feels represented.

“As the 2027 general elections approach, we trust in the wisdom and sense of justice of political parties to build a more inclusive and harmonious constituency,” the letter maintained.