…as DNA Federal Constituency Zoning Battle Brews Ahead of 2027 Polls.
Anambra leaders seek rotational equity after 28 years of representation by Njikoka and Anaocha.
AWKA, NIGERIA — The iNews Times | DNA Federal Constituency Zoning has taken centre stage in Anambra politics as traditional rulers and Presidents General from Dunukofia Local Government Area formally urged political parties to concede the 2027 House of Representatives ticket to candidates from the area.
The appeal, addressed to national chairmen of major political parties, argues that zoning the Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha (DNA) Federal Constituency seat to Dunukofia would correct what leaders describe as a 28-year historical imbalance in federal legislative representation.
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications.
Background of the Story
The DNA Federal Constituency comprises three local government areas in Anambra State: Dunukofia, with 14 political wards; Njikoka, with 18 wards; and Anaocha, with 19 wards.
Since the return of democratic governance in 1999, representation in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly has rotated exclusively between Njikoka and Anaocha. According to the leaders’ letter, Njikoka has held the seat for 16 years, while Anaocha has occupied it for 12 years.
Dunukofia, despite being a constituent part of the federal constituency, has not produced a representative in the House of Representatives during this period.
While acknowledging that majority population strength in Njikoka and Anaocha partly explains the trend, the leaders argue that democratic justice requires more than numerical dominance.
Key Developments
In an open letter titled “A Compassionate Appeal for Equity, Unity and Fair Representation in the Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha (DNA) Federal Constituency,” the monarchs and Presidents General called on party leadership across the political spectrum to zone the 2027 contest exclusively to Dunukofia.
The letter was copied to the national chairmen of the All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, African Democratic Congress, People’s Democratic Party, Labour Party, Young Progressive Party, Social Democratic Party, Zenith Labour Party and others.
The signatories stressed that the request was not based on entitlement but on the principles of rotational equity and inclusive representation.
They argued that the prolonged exclusion of Dunukofia has fostered a growing sense of alienation among its people, who they say have remained loyal participants in the electoral process despite never occupying the federal seat.
According to the letter, traditional rulers and stakeholders from Dunukofia had already engaged their counterparts in Njikoka and Anaocha.
The leaders said those consultations were met with understanding and support, describing the development as a sign of shared commitment to justice and unity within the constituency.
They further proposed that conceding the 2027 ticket to Dunukofia would promote peace, strengthen cohesion and reinforce faith in the democratic process.
Reactions from Stakeholders
One of the traditional rulers who endorsed the appeal, HRH Igwe Dr. Robert Eze (Okofia VI), Igwe of Ukpo, described the move as a necessary step toward balancing representation.
“This is about fairness and strengthening our collective bond,” he said. “Democracy is not only about numbers; it is also about ensuring that every segment of the constituency feels seen and heard.”
Similarly, HRM Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno (JP), Igwe of Ifitedunu, noted that the push for DNA Federal Constituency zoning reflects a consensus-building effort rather than confrontation.
“We have engaged our brothers in Njikoka and Anaocha. Their openness to this conversation shows maturity and commitment to unity,” he stated.
Among the Presidents General who signed the document were Chief Sir Cyrilwalter Ezewulu of Ukpo, Prof. Stephen Ufuaro of Ifitedunu, Engr Ofodile Anieto of Umunnachi, Chief Onyechi Val Adinnu of Umudioka, Hon. Uba Ayiofu of Ukwulu and Hon. Mathew Ibebugwu of Nawgu.
They collectively expressed optimism that political parties would consider the appeal in the spirit of equity and national cohesion.
Political observers in Anambra say the move could influence internal party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in parties where zoning arrangements play a decisive role in candidate emergence.
Implications
The debate over DNA Federal Constituency zoning underscores the broader tension between majority rule and rotational justice in Nigeria’s democracy.
While electoral politics is often determined by voter strength and party machinery, zoning arrangements have historically been used to manage diversity, reduce conflict and promote inclusion.
If political parties accede to the request, it could set a precedent for other constituencies grappling with similar representation concerns.
Conversely, failure to address the appeal may deepen feelings of marginalization within Dunukofia and potentially reshape voting patterns in 2027.
The development also places party leadership at the centre of a delicate balancing act between strategic electoral calculations and moral appeals for fairness.
What Happens Next
Attention now turns to how national and state party structures respond to the DNA Federal Constituency zoning appeal.
With party primaries for the 2027 general elections expected to gather momentum in the coming years, internal consultations and negotiations are likely to intensify.
Should major parties formally adopt zoning in favour of Dunukofia, it could significantly narrow the field of aspirants and redefine campaign strategies across the constituency.
The iNews Times will continue to monitor reactions from party officials and political actors as the 2027 contest gradually takes shape.
Conclusion
The call for DNA Federal Constituency zoning to favour Dunukofia in 2027 is more than a local political appeal. It is a test of how Nigeria’s democratic institutions balance arithmetic majority with inclusive governance.
After 28 years of representation by Njikoka and Anaocha, Dunukofia’s leaders are asking for a turn at the table.
Whether political parties heed that call may not only determine the next occupant of the Green Chamber seat but also shape perceptions of fairness and unity within the constituency for years to come.
The iNews Times remains committed to tracking the evolving political dynamics ahead of 2027.
