The race for the Owan Federal Constituency seat has heated up as Hon. Abdulkudus Isah officially challenged the performance record of the incumbent, Professor Julius Ihonvbere. Isah alleged that the professor’s two terms in the National Assembly have failed to produce “substantial projects” for the people of Owan. He specifically criticized the APC for reportedly granting the incumbent an “automatic ticket,” an act he described as unprecedented and contrary to the interests of the majority.
A central theme of Isah’s campaign is the “gentleman’s agreement” regarding the rotation of power between Owan East and Owan West. According to Isah, Owan East represents the majority of the voting population and is currently due to hold the seat. He argued that if the majority is not seeking a third term, it is logically and politically impossible for a representative from the minority axis to do so, framing his candidacy as a restoration of regional balance.
The aspirant’s confidence is rooted in the significant voter turnout of his home ward, which he claims consistently delivers between 4,000 and 5,000 votes. By mobilizing these numbers under the NDC banner, Isah believes he can overcome the “automatic” advantage of the ruling party. He dismissed the incumbent’s influence, suggesting that the people are ready for a representative who is more physically and emotionally present in the community.
Structurally, the shift from ADC to NDC is intended to create a formidable opposition machine. Isah revealed that he has already instructed the NDC chairman in Owan West to secure a physical space for a new Party Secretariat, which he intends to fund personally. This move aims to provide a centralized hub for his supporters and to demonstrate the party’s readiness to govern long before the first ballot is cast.
Despite the heavy focus on the general election, Isah first faces a three-way contest within the NDC. He acknowledged the credibility of his primary opponents, Barrister Tunji Aruya and Pharmacist Johnson Erayanmen, but insisted that his 99% assurance of victory stems from the overwhelming support he has already secured across multiple wards. For Isah, the primary is a mere formality on the road to a “workover” in the general election.
