OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. (ELDER) SHERIFF F.O. OBOREVWORI, GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Your Excellency,

Advancing Fairness, Equity, and Democratic Integrity in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency Ahead of 2027

I write to you not only as a proud son of Bomadi Local Government Area, but as a committed stakeholder in the political, traditional, and civic life of our constituency—one who has consistently stood for peace, balance, and principled leadership in the service of our people.

My intervention at this critical moment is informed by a development of profound democratic significance. I have been reliably informed of a recent civil protest in Patani Local Government Area, where citizens peacefully assembled to demand a fair opportunity for Patani to produce the next member of the House of Representatives for the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency.

It is noteworthy—and deserving of commendation—that this protest was conducted in an orderly, peaceful, and law-abiding manner. This reflects not only restraint, but a high level of civic consciousness and democratic maturity among the people. Such conduct should not be ignored; it should be respected and meaningfully engaged.

Your Excellency, the underlying message of this agitation is clear: a call for fairness, equity, and inclusion through rotational representation. These are not partisan demands—they are democratic principles.

A Constituency at a Democratic Crossroads

As the 2027 general elections approach, the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency stands at a defining moment in its democratic journey.

Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the constituency has been represented by a single individual, Honourable Nicholas Mutu, now in his seventh consecutive term. While experience and continuity can be valuable, democracy cannot thrive where representation becomes permanently concentrated.

A potential eighth term would extend this tenure to 32 years—effectively spanning generations and narrowing the democratic space for participation, leadership renewal, and inclusion.

Democracy must not only exist—it must be seen to be fair, open, and competitive.

The Imperative of Rotation and Inclusion

The Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency is not a monolith. It is composed of distinct local government areas, each with legitimate expectations of inclusion in the democratic process.

Bomadi Local Government has held the seat continuously since 1999

Patani Local Government has never had the opportunity to represent the constituency at the federal level

This imbalance is neither sustainable nor justifiable in a democratic setting.

The call for a Patani candidate in 2027 is therefore not an attempt at exclusion, it is a principled demand for inclusion. It represents:

A restoration of balance

A reinforcement of unity

A demonstration of fairness

Significantly, this position is not limited to Patani stakeholders alone. It is increasingly supported by voices within Bomadi itself, an indication of a growing collective commitment to justice over narrow interests.

Concerns on Representation and Performance

Representation must be measured not by duration, but by impact.

Across the constituency, stakeholders have raised concerns regarding:

Limited evidence of sponsored legislation directly benefiting the constituency

Absence of visible federal projects—completed, ongoing, or abandoned

Minimal legislative advocacy translates into tangible development outcomes

After nearly three decades, these concerns cannot be dismissed. They raise legitimate questions about the effectiveness of prolonged representation without corresponding results.

The Risks of Entrenched Political Dominance

Extended tenure, when unchecked, often gives rise to entrenched political structures that undermine democratic vitality. Such dominance can:

Weaken internal party democracy

Restrict credible competition

Prioritise loyalty over performance

Alienate the electorate from governance

Your Excellency, leadership at this level demands not only political wisdom but moral courage—the courage to uphold institutional integrity above personal or political alliances.

Rising Public Sentiment and the Call for Change

There is a clear and growing wave of public sentiment across the constituency. From community leaders to youth groups and political stakeholders, the message is consistent:

The people are calling for a democratic reset.

The recent peaceful protest in Patani is not an isolated event—it is a signal. Ignoring it may lead to:

Escalating political tension

Deepening voter apathy

Erosion of public trust in democratic institutions

Listening, however, presents an opportunity to strengthen democracy through inclusion and fairness.

A Strategic Opportunity for Your Leadership

Your Excellency, this moment presents a defining leadership opportunity.

By supporting a fair, open, and inclusive political process in 2027, the Delta State Government can:

Reinforce its commitment to democratic principles

Promote a peaceful political transition

Strengthen public trust and legitimacy

Demonstrate neutrality and statesmanship

Conversely, any perception of imposition or bias could carry lasting political and reputational consequences.

Conclusion: A Moral and Democratic Imperative

The Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency now stands at a decisive turning point.

The path chosen ahead of 2027 will either:

Strengthen the ideals of fairness, equity, and inclusion

or

Deepen concerns about political dominance and systemic imbalance

Allowing the emergence of a candidate from Patani Local Government Area is not merely a political consideration—it is a moral obligation and a democratic necessity.

Your Excellency, the time has come to rise above entrenched interests and act in the broader interest of justice, unity, and democratic integrity.

Democracy must not only be practised—it must be seen to be fair.

SIGNED:

Chief Franklin Edonkumoh

Kpakiama Community,

Bomadi Local Government Area,

Delta State, Nigeria.