A committee advocating power rotation in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, Delta State, has raised fresh concerns over what it described as prolonged political dominance, calling for fair representation and a change in leadership.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the committee led by its Chairman, Chief Binaebi Keboh, the Ebe-Ebidouara of Kabowei Kingdom, alongside Mr. Perezilagha Orutu, lamented that since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the constituency has been represented by only one individual in the House of Representatives.
The group argued that the situation has effectively sidelined other qualified indigenes, depriving them of the opportunity to contribute to governance and development within the constituency.
Highlighting the principles of democracy, the committee stressed that inclusiveness, participation, and leadership rotation are essential, warning against the dangers of long-term political monopolies.
“Since the return to democratic governance in 1999, the Bomadi/Patani federal constituency has been represented continuously by a single individual, whereas the nine other federal constituencies in the state have had minimum of three and maximum of five individuals representing them.
“While democratic systems allow for re-election, such prolonged and uninterrupted occupation of a legislative seat, spanning over two decades, raises critical concerns about inclusiveness, fairness and the overall effectiveness of representation,” it said.
The committee further cautioned that maintaining the current trend could trigger political stagnation, weaken voter engagement, and erode public trust in the democratic process.
“It will also lead to erosion of confidence in democratic fairness, under-utilisation of human capital within the constituency and continued developmental lag relative to peer constituencies, among others,” it said.
Looking ahead, the group described the 2027 general elections as a crucial turning point to reset the political structure of the constituency through inclusivity and fresh leadership.
“A change in the current pattern will promote accountability and performance-driven representation and reposition Bomadi/Patani for meaningful federal engagement and development.
“We, therefore, respectfully urge political stakeholders and party leadership to prioritise equity, competence and rotation in candidate’s selection to discourage prolonged monopolisation of elective positions.
“We all urge constituents and opinion leaders to support credible alternative candidates, demand performance, accountability and measurable impact.
“Civil society and advocacy groups in the constituency should also amplify the call for democratic fairness and representation renewal to promote awareness of the benefits of leadership rotation,” it said.
The committee concluded by emphasizing that the constituency stands at a critical crossroads, urging both leaders and citizens to embrace change for sustainable progress.
“The future of its political relevance and developmental trajectory depends on the willingness of its people and leaders to embrace change.
“Leadership is not a lifetime entitlement; it is a responsibility entrusted for a time, to be renewed in the interest of progress.
“The evidence is clear. The need is urgent. The time for renewal is now. For equity, for progress and for the future of Bomadi/Patani, let leadership evolve,” the statement said.
