Afagase/Okpameri 2027: Politics of Isolation?
…Supporters argue Bankole Balogun would ensure political inclusiveness if elected
By Elempe Dele
The political landscape of Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency continues to generate debate following the decision of Mr. Paul Johnson Afagase to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after the 2026 House of Representatives primary election.
Afagase, who previously contested the APC ticket in 2022 against Hon. Peter Akpatason, again sought the party’s nomination in the May 16, 2026 primary but was defeated by Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, the immediate past Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).
https://voxnews.com.ng/2027-shift-from-protest-votes-to-policy-scrutiny-for-peter-obi/
Bankole-Balogun secured what observers described as a convincing victory, with support reportedly cutting across the diverse ethnic and political communities within Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
Following the APC primary, speculation about Afagase’s political future intensified.
Those rumours were confirmed when he formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and secured the party’s ticket to contest the same House of Representatives seat in the 2027 general election.
While supporters describe the decision as a strategic attempt to remain politically relevant, critics believe leaving the ruling party could weaken both his political prospects and the broader interests of the Okpameri people.
One of the major issues emerging from the political conversation is the growing narrative that the Okpameri people have been politically marginalized within Akoko-Edo.
Supporters of Afagase argue that this perceived marginalization justifies backing his ambition under the ADC.
The author, however, disagrees with this position, arguing that framing the contest around ethnic identity risks creating political isolation rather than expanding political influence.
The Okpameri people are largely concentrated in four electoral wards within Akoko-Edo Local Government Area:
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 7
Major communities include Ibillo, Lampese, Makeke, Ikakumo, Ekpesa, Ojah and Somorika.
According to the author, Ward 6, headquartered in Okpe Kingdom, has historically maintained an independent political identity and has often aligned itself with the ruling party regardless of ethnic considerations.
The central argument presented is that political isolation could carry significant long-term consequences.
The article contends that reducing cooperation with dominant political structures may weaken access to government projects, infrastructure development and political influence.
It further argues that politics in Akoko-Edo has traditionally relied on broad alliances rather than ethnic blocs, making collaboration more beneficial than political separation.
According to this perspective, portraying the contest primarily as an ethnic struggle may unintentionally reduce opportunities for future partnerships within both state and national politics.Supporters of Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun argue that his victory in the APC primary reflected broad acceptance across Akoko-Edo’s diverse communities.
They believe that, if elected, he would pursue an inclusive style of representation capable of accommodating the interests of all ethnic groups, including the Okpameri people.
The author maintains that remaining politically connected to the ruling party provides greater opportunities for development, influence and access to government programmes.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, political stakeholders in Akoko-Edo are expected to intensify consultations across the constituency.
Okpameri-speaking wards to carefully evaluate the long-term political implications of their choices and prioritise unity and collaboration over division.
In the author’s view, political inclusiveness, rather than isolation offers the most sustainable path toward development and effective representation for the people of Akoko-Edo.
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