A group, Isi-Uzo Patriots, Thursday, alleged marginalisation in the choice of the chairmanship of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The group was reacting to the zoning of the slot to Eha-Amufu by the APC-led government in the state. It therefore called on Gov Peter Mbah to reverse the decision for equity. The group claims that the trend has become an institutionalization of injustice in Isi-Uzo LGA.
The convener of the group, Mr Dennis Agbo, told newsmen in Enugu that the May 28, 2026 decision of awarding the local government chairmanship to Eha-Amufu had polarized the five federating communities of Isi-Uzo. According to him, the decision undermined the spirit of rotation and unity in the LGA.
Agbo also debunked the claims that Eha-Amufu constitutes half of Isi-Uzo’s population. Citing the turnout from the 2023 governorship election, the group said Isi-Uzo Central recorded the highest voter participation at 27.3 percent, followed by Amanyi at 25.6 percent, while Eha-Amufu recorded 22.6 percent. None of the four Eha-Amufu wards reached the LGA average turnout of 25.1 percent, Agbo said.
He further stated that of the 78,634 registered voters across 11 wards, 19,767 votes were cast. “Labour Party won the LGA with 11,482 votes, or 58.1 percent, against PDP’s 6,381 votes, or 32.3 percent; while Eha-Amufu delivered 45 percent of all votes cast, PDP performed better in Ikem and Neke wards.”
He also clarified the population disparity in the LGA. “Using the 2006 census figure of 148,415 and a 2022 projection of 213,300, Eha-Amufu’s population is about 126,000. Combining Ikem, Mbu, Neke, and Umualor gives about 151,000 people, yet these communities are disadvantaged in the allocation of development centres and chairmanship positions,” he said.
The group recalled that during the administration of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, Eha-Amufu was placed at 39 percent of Isi-Uzo, with Ikem and Umualor at 30 percent, and Neke and Mbu at 31 percent. Based on this, Agbo said, three development centres were created.
The group therefore accused the 2015 administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of creating a second Eha-Amufu development centre without consultation.
The Patriots also listed political appointments recorded in the LGA, and noted that Eha-Amufu produced over seven council chairmen, while some communities have held the position only once “and Umualor has never held it since 1999”.
They therefore called on Gov Peter Mbah to reverse the zoning of the slot to Eha-Amufu by the ruling APC in the state. The group also demanded that the original three development centres be maintained and that the ceded chairmanship be withdrawn and returned to Isi-Uzo Central.
“The positions should be opened to younger leaders and to communities that have not had representation,” the group said, and warned against nominations based on selfish or clannish considerations.
“We are saying that those who worked painstakingly for Governor Peter Mbah’s election should not be undermined and put under those who fought tooth and nail against his victory,” the group stated.
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