Power Must Rotate, Not Concentrate: Why Ife Federal Constituency Needs Strategic Balance Now

 

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for yet another defining electoral cycle, the stakes in the Ife Federal Constituency could not be higher. Elections are not merely contests of popularity—they are tests of strategy, inclusiveness, and the party’s ability to read the political temperature at the grassroots. At such a crucial time, decisions around candidacy must transcend familiarity and reflect fairness, equity, and electoral wisdom.

A growing concern within the constituency is the visible concentration of political power and opportunities within a single ward—Ilare Ward in Ife Central Local Government. While no one disputes the competence or contributions of those who currently occupy or seek high-ranking positions, the optics and implications of such clustering cannot be ignored. The Deputy Governor slot, an ambassadorial position, and a Representative seeking a third term all emerging from one ward sends a troubling message to other parts of the constituency: that their relevance may be secondary.

Politics, especially at the grassroots level, thrives on inclusion. When key regions feel sidelined, voter apathy, silent protest, or even protest voting can emerge—outcomes that no serious political party can afford. Ife East, in particular, stands as a critical axis that demands recognition, not just in rhetoric but in tangible political representation.

This is where the candidacy of Hon. Rotimi Makinde becomes not just relevant, but strategic. His roots in Ife East are not superficial—they are deeply embedded within the same ward and even polling unit as the PDP’s Deputy Governorship candidate. In political terms, this is not a coincidence; it is an opportunity. Offering Ife East a strong APC voice at the federal level could significantly neutralize opposition strength and galvanize voter turnout in a zone that will be pivotal in determining electoral outcomes.

Beyond geography, there is the matter of proven capacity. Elections are won not only by candidates with titles, but by those who can mobilize, persuade, and deliver votes. Hon. Makinde’s track record, particularly during the 2022 gubernatorial elections, reflects resilience and effectiveness in grassroots mobilization—even in areas where others struggled. That kind of electoral reliability is an asset that should not be overlooked.

Equally important is the issue of loyalty and experience. In an era where political defections are frequent and sometimes opportunistic, longevity within a party carries weight. With over 25 years of consistent commitment to the APC and its progressive ideals, Hon. Makinde represents institutional memory, party discipline, and credibility. These are qualities that cannot be acquired overnight, nor replicated by recent entrants.

Furthermore, his grassroots pedigree is not theoretical—it is lived. His longstanding relationships with party stakeholders and constituents mean he is not just a candidate imposed from above, but one organically connected to the people. In a democracy, that connection is often the difference between symbolic representation and impactful leadership.

The APC must therefore ask itself a fundamental question: does it want to win comfortably, or risk internal fractures that could jeopardize its chances? Political dominance is sustained not by concentration, but by distribution—of opportunities, of recognition, and of trust.

Affirming Hon. Rotimi Makinde as the party’s candidate for the Ife Federal Constituency would not only correct the current imbalance but also send a strong signal that the APC values fairness, inclusiveness, and strategic thinking. It would reassure members across all wards that their contributions matter and that the party belongs to everyone—not just a select few.

In the final analysis, victory in the general election will depend on unity within the party and confidence among the electorate. A balanced ticket that reflects the diversity of the constituency is the surest path to both.

The time to act is now. Power must rotate, not concentrate.

— Opinion by Pastor Lazarus Tobi Abuah, for Mayegun Vanguard