The people of Ekeremor Local Government Area in Bayelsa State have reaffirmed their commitment to the rotational zoning arrangement between Sagbama and Ekeremor in Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ekeremor Town on Thursday, September 18, 2025, community leaders, youth representatives, women leaders, and other critical stakeholders declared their united support for the existing zoning formula, which allots the Senate seat to Ekeremor and the House of Representatives position to Sagbama in the 2027 general elections.
The decision was adopted unanimously and presented as a matter of equity, justice, and fairness. Leaders at the meeting pointed out that since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, Sagbama has occupied the Senate seat for 20 years, while Ekeremor has only held it for 8 years.
They argued that allowing Sagbama to retain the seat in 2027 would be a breach of the long-standing arrangement and would deny Ekeremor its rightful turn in the political rotation.
Stakeholders stressed that the agreement has preserved peace and cooperation between the two local government areas, adding that any attempt to undermine it would threaten unity in Bayelsa West. According to the leaders, the 2027 elections present an opportunity to demonstrate fairness and mutual respect by ensuring that Ekeremor produces the next senator while Sagbama retains its place in the House of Representatives.
The meeting also addressed a recent political controversy arising from a gathering held in Toru-Orua on September 11, 2025. That meeting, according to Ekeremor leaders, was convened primarily to mobilize communities for the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission Continuous Voter Registration exercise. They explained that during the event, the possibility of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson contesting the 2027 Senate election was mentioned, but emphasized that no endorsement was made at the forum.
Stakeholders condemned subsequent claims that Dickson was endorsed at Toru-Orua, describing the assertions as false, misleading, and harmful to the fragile peace within Bayelsa West. They characterized the claims as “unwise, primitive, manipulative, and uncivilised politics,” warning that such tactics could inflame divisions and destabilize the senatorial district.
To reinforce their position, the leaders outlined key resolutions reached at the Ekeremor meeting. They declared unconditional support for the principle of “Ekeremor for Senate and Sagbama for House of Representatives” in the 2027 elections. They also pledged to back leadership that promotes the development and unity of Bayelsa West Senatorial District, to encourage peace and cooperation among all communities, and to ensure that citizens are informed and active participants in the electoral process.
The communiqué was endorsed by a broad delegation of political and community figures from Ekeremor. The team was led by Dr. Sylbriks Obriki and included Hon. Barr. Dein Benadoumene, Hon. Tare Porri of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Ekeremor Constituency 1, and Hon. Living Mitin representing Ekeremor Constituency 2. Others in the delegation were Hon. K. E. Efegi, Chairman of the EKELGA Reformation Group, along with Hon. Angos Dide, Hon. Aaron Alokpa, Hon. Tams Alari, Hon. Jonah Gede, Hon. Japan Odoji, and Hon. Ogeibiri Orubebemiekumor.
Also lending their voices were Dr. Andrew Ebakpa and Dr. Tomwarri Egeran (Esq.), who served as spokesperson for the EKELGA Reformation Group. The delegation, alongside other stakeholders present, reaffirmed that Ekeremor remains united and determined to secure the Senate position in 2027 in line with the established zoning system.
With the political season approaching, the reaffirmation by Ekeremor leaders sets the stage for a potentially tense contest in Bayelsa West, as the senatorial zoning agreement becomes a defining issue in the buildup to the 2027 elections. The leaders made it clear that they expect all political actors to respect the arrangement, stressing that only fairness and adherence to established agreements can sustain peace and unity in the district.
