Addressing Imbalances in Federal Constituencies
The Deputy Chief Whip in the House of Representatives, Hon Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, has raised concerns over what he described as glaring imbalances in the allocation of federal constituencies across Nigeria. He called for urgent reforms through constitutional amendments, the creation of additional constituencies, and strengthening of local governments.
Speaking during an interview with journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Isiaka, representing Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, said the current structure does not reflect population realities, particularly in densely populated areas.
“It’s unfortunate that we found ourselves in this situation as a country. According to the law, population determination and boundary reviews are supposed to be done every 10 years. I can’t remember when last this was conducted—maybe 30 to 40 years ago—yet the population continues to grow,” he said.
He pointed to what he called heavy population spillover from Lagos into neighboring Ogun communities such as Ojodu and Agbado, noting that a significant percentage of Lagos workers reside in Ogun State.
“Nearly 20 to 30 percent of people working in Lagos reside in Ogun State, and the nearest point of call is this boundary line. My constituency is one of the first points of contact. Look at the pressure on infrastructure, on schools, on healthcare, even on taxation and remittances,” he explained.
He contrasted the situation in Lagos, Ogun with other states, arguing that the distribution of federal constituencies does not adequately reflect population density.
According to him, areas like Ifo/Ewekoro federal constituency should ideally have more representation to match their population and landmass.
“We are supposed to have about three minimum federal constituencies in Ifo and Ewekoro. If that had been the case, the level of agitation would not be this high. When you compare with places like Surulere that have two federal constituencies, you understand what we are talking about,” he said.
He stressed that the imbalance affects equitable distribution of development projects.
Isiaka revealed that the National Assembly is already addressing these concerns through ongoing constitutional amendment processes.
“We have brought these issues to the fore—creation of more local governments, more federal constituencies, and even states—so that the pressure will be reduced and governance can be closer to the people,” he said.
Realistic Demands for State Creation
On the agitations for state creation, Isiaka described the demands as “realistic” but cautioned that they must be approached carefully.
“For me, it is realistic. But the agitation has become intense because we have relegated and undermined local governments. Otherwise, there may not have been this much pressure,” he said.
Responding to questions on the agitation for the zoning the seat he currently occupies to Ifo LG, Isiaka dismissed the recent protest as sponsored, saying there has never been a zoning arrangement within the federal constituency.
The federal constituency comprises Ewekoro LG, where Isiaka hails from, and Ifo LG.
But some constituents from Ifo LG recently kicked against the lawmaker’s ambition to return to the Green Chamber come 2027, saying it’s the turn of Ifo to produce a representative for the constituency.
Isiaka is currently representing the constituency for the third time.
Responding to questions, Isiaka dismissed the agitation as inconsequential, saying he has enjoyed overwhelming support from both LGs.
He recalled that before Ewekoro LG was created, he had served as the Vice Chairman in Ifo LG, saying “nobody can claim to be more Ifo than me.”
The Role of Experience in Legislative Activities
The lawmaker said legislative activities globally thrive on experience, hence, the opportunity accorded to lawmakers to contest repeatedly without limit.
Isiaka pointed out that there are some lawmakers who have been in the House of Representatives since 1999.
“The trajectory of those that have been there, and what they’ve been able to do, in the realm of democracy matters, the constitution of Nigeria, the drafters, in their wisdom, at the legislative level, they did not limit anybody from contesting repeatedly and aspiring to either the House of Representatives or the Senate. And if you look at it, it is a global phenomenon,” he said.
“So, if you are asking me, is it true I’m aspiring for the fourth time, it’s not a personal thing. It is about my people. As long as they are still saying they want me to continue to represent them, it is about the state that we are putting in the spotlight. And it’s about Nigeria that we are putting in the global space. So, it’s not a personal thing,” he said.
Open Contest for the Seat
The lawmaker explained that it has always been an open contest for the seat between the two LGs, dismissing any zoning arrangements.
He said in all the previous attempts he had always contested and defeated his opponents due to his grassroots strength and the party’s strength.
“We have been contesting for this position. There was never a time that aspirants failed to come from Ifo LG. Everybody has been throwing their hats in the ring. So, who is now afraid today? Why are you afraid not to throw your hat in the ring, then you want to tell the party, come and give me (the ticket). For me, I feel they are promoting somebody like me, Isiaka Ayokunle Ibrahim. They are just promoting me.”
“If I’m not popular, it’s only a sharpened knife that you can use to cut the grass. And those that are throwing parcels and cursing and all stuff, it’s only a well-ripened orange that people throw stones at. I’ve even told my sympathizers, everybody, I said, don’t answer anybody,” he said.
Isiaka said he is ready for an open, fair, and transparent contest, adding that he will support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
