By Deborah Coker
Dr Tonye Timi, Executive Director, Corporate Services, South/South Development Commission (SSDC), has advised stakeholders in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency to eschew personal loyalty in electing representatives for 2027.
Timi gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
He noted that in every thriving democracy, representation was not merely a privilege bestowed on elected officials but a solemn responsibility anchored on performance, accountability and responsiveness to the people.
“As Nigeria’s democratic journey continues to mature since the return to civil rule in 1999, citizens across constituencies are becoming increasingly aware of the need to periodically assess the quality and effectiveness of those representing them at the National Assembly.
“The Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency stands at such a defining moment.
“With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, it is both timely and necessary for stakeholders, traditional institutions, political actors, civil society and the electorate to reflect deeply on the future of representation.
“This reflection must be guided, not by sentiment or familiarity, but by objective standards of legislative performance and the broader interest of the constituency,” he said.
According to him, membership of the House of Representatives is multi-dimensional, as it goes beyond occupying a seat in Abuja.
“It encompasses lawmaking through the sponsorship of bills, influencing national discourse through motions and debates, exercising oversight over government agencies and attracting development opportunities to the constituency.
“These functions are not optional; they are the very essence of legislative relevance and effectiveness.
“In advanced democracies and emerging ones alike, legislators are evaluated based on measurable contributions.
“These include how many bills have they sponsored? What motions have they moved to address pressing issues affecting their constituents? How visible and vocal are they in debates that shape national policy?
“Also, to what extent have they facilitated federal presence in their constituencies through infrastructure, social programs, or institutional interventions?
“These are not abstract questions. They are practical benchmarks that determine whether representation is truly serving its purpose.
“Where such indicators remain consistently low or absent over an extended period, it becomes not only appropriate but necessary to ask whether continuity should be assumed or reconsidered,” he said.
The SSDC executive director further said that longevity in office, while often associated with experience and institutional knowledge, must be weighed against demonstrable impact.
He argued that experience that did not translate into tangible benefits for constituents risked becoming symbolic rather than substantive.
“Democracy thrives, not on tenure alone, but on results – visible and measurable improvement of the lives of the people.
“When representation remains unchanged for extended periods without corresponding evidence of progressive impact, the system risks stagnation.
“Fresh perspectives, new ideas and renewed energy are essential ingredients for responsive governance. Leadership renewal, therefore, is not an act of rejection but an opportunity for reinvigoration,” he said.
Timi also said that the evolving socio-economic realities of communities within Bomado/Patani federal constituency demanded adaptive and proactive representation.
He stressed that issues such as youth unemployment, infrastructure deficits, environmental challenges and access to federal opportunities required legislators who were not only present but actively engaged.
This, he said, would include raising motions, influencing policy and ensuring that the constituency’s voice was heard clearly and consistently at the national level.
“Another important dimension of this conversation is equity and inclusion within the constituency.
“Federal constituencies are often composed of diverse communities with shared aspirations but sometimes differing levels of political representation over time.
“This ensures that all segments of the constituency feel a sense of belonging and fairness in the distribution of political opportunities is critical for unity and long-term stability.
“Rotational considerations, where applicable, can serve as a mechanism to strengthen inclusiveness and foster collective ownership of the democratic process.
“When thoughtfully implemented, such approaches do not divide; rather, they unify by affirming that every part of the constituency has a stake and a voice in its leadership,” he stated.
The former lawmaker representing Patani constituency in the Delta House of Assembly said in charting the path forward, stakeholders must rise above personal loyalties and focus on the collective good.
“The goal is not merely to elect a representative, but to secure a voice—active, effective and committed—that will champion the aspirations of the people at the highest levels of governance.
“The time to reflect is now. The time to act, decisively and thoughtfully, is fast approaching.
“As Bomadi/Patani looks to the future, one principle should remain paramount: longevity in office should be a reflection of sustained impact, not a substitute for it.
“Where impact is evident, continuity may be justified. Where it is not, renewal becomes not just desirable, but necessary.
“The 2027 elections present an opportunity—a moment to make a forward-looking decision that prioritises effectiveness, inclusiveness and the long-term development of the constituency.
“It is a chance to set a precedent that representation is dynamic, performance-driven and responsive to changing needs,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
