A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, Dr Ebidiseighabofa Orodu, has rejected reports suggesting that members of the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency have unanimously endorsed Nicholas Mutu for another term in the House of Representatives.
Speaking during a telephone interview on Friday, Orodu argued that the claims did not reflect the views of the larger population or the mood across the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mutu has represented the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in the National Assembly since 1999 and is reportedly seeking re-election for another term in 2027.
His ambition has continued to generate debate among political stakeholders and residents, particularly over calls for the seat to rotate to Patani Local Government Area after years of representation by a lawmaker from Bomadi.
Reacting to recent claims made during a television programme that the lawmaker enjoyed widespread support for another tenure, Orodu described the narrative as misleading and disconnected from grassroots realities.
He maintained that many youths, community leaders and stakeholders within and outside Patani had continued to demand fairness, equity and broader participation in the political process.
According to him, growing calls for rotational leadership and fresh representation should not be dismissed as the opinion of a few individuals with access to media platforms.
“Democracy gains legitimacy from the collective will of the people, not from selective endorsements or political alliances that may not truly represent the aspirations of the majority.
“At a time when many residents are demanding wider inclusion and new leadership opportunities, stakeholders must avoid statements capable of creating a false impression of consensus,” he said.
Orodu noted that concerns raised by residents were not targeted at any individual personally but were linked to issues surrounding representation, development, accountability and the future of the constituency.
He added that several communities believed that decades of uninterrupted representation had not produced the level of infrastructural growth and federal presence expected by the people.
The APC stalwart specifically pointed to environmental and coastal erosion challenges affecting Akugbene and neighbouring communities, stressing that many residents expected stronger federal intervention over the years.
“The agitation across the constituency should be seen as a demand for democratic renewal, inclusion and impactful representation.
“People want leadership that is visible, accessible and responsive to their developmental needs,” he stated.
Orodu further cautioned political actors against presenting isolated endorsements as the collective position of the constituency, warning that such actions could deepen distrust between political leaders and the grassroots.
He insisted that the future of the constituency should be determined by the electorate through a transparent and inclusive democratic process.
Mutu, currently serving his seventh term in the House of Representatives, would complete 28 consecutive years in office by the end of the 10th National Assembly in 2027.
In recent weeks, several groups and stakeholders from Bomadi and Patani councils have openly opposed his planned return to the National Assembly.
On April 30, protesters, including youths and community stakeholders, blocked the East-West Road for several hours to demand an end to what they described as prolonged political dominance in the constituency.
The demonstration disrupted vehicular movement and economic activities, drawing attention to growing dissatisfaction over representation within the federal constituency.