Group Advocates For Zoning Formula In Bayelsa East

Political pressure is mounting in the Bayelsa East Senatorial District as the Brass First Initiative has intensified calls for the preservation of the existing zoning arrangement ahead of the 2027 National Assembly elections, insisting that it is the turn of Brass Local Government Area to produce the next senator.

The group maintained that the longstanding rotational formula among the three local government areas in Bayelsa East — Brass, Nembe and Ogbia — has remained the foundation for political harmony, fairness and inclusiveness in the district since 1999.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement in Yenagoa, members of the initiative argued that any attempt to alter the unwritten agreement could generate unnecessary political tension and disrupt the unity that has existed within the senatorial district for decades.

According to the group, the zoning formula has ensured that every local government area in the district enjoys equal political opportunities, stressing that the arrangement should not be sacrificed for personal political ambition.

The group emphasized that after the completion of the current tenure occupied by Ogbia, the next senatorial slot rightfully belongs to Brass Local Government Area.

They noted that the principle of rotation has over the years strengthened mutual trust among the people of the district and prevented marginalization.

Members of the initiative further appealed to political parties, traditional rulers, opinion leaders and stakeholders across Bayelsa East to uphold the zoning culture in the interest of peace and equity.

They recalled that respected political leaders in the district had in the past sustained the arrangement to guarantee fairness among the constituent local government areas, adding that the same spirit should prevail ahead of the next election cycle.

The group also warned against actions capable of undermining the existing political understanding, insisting that the agitation for Brass to produce the next senator reflects the collective aspiration of many stakeholders within the district.

Some leaders who spoke in support of the zoning arrangement described it as a tested formula that has sustained political balance and peaceful coexistence among the people of Bayelsa East.

They insisted that preserving the arrangement would further deepen unity and strengthen democratic participation in the area.

The renewed agitation comes amid increasing political discussions surrounding the 2027 elections, with several groups and stakeholders already mobilizing support for the continuation of the rotational system.

Placards displayed by supporters during recent protests carried inscriptions such as “Respect zoning in Bayelsa East,” “Rotation is the best for Bayelsa East,” and “It is Brass turn to produce senator,” reflecting growing support for the demand across the district.

~ Hot News Reporters
Thursday, 14th May, 2026