By Oghenefejiro Emado
13, May 2026
Elders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Bomadi and Patani Local Government Areas have endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Rt. Hon. Basil Okolobaowei Ganagana as the sole consensus candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The decision was reached at an enlarged joint meeting held at the Bomadi Town Hall on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
At the same gathering, the leaders adopted a rotational two-term arrangement for the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency seat, zoning the 2027 House of Representatives ticket to Patani LGA.
*Key Resolutions from the 11-Point Communique*
*1. Call for Leadership Change After 28 Years*
The leaders recognized the long service of Rt. Hon. Nicholas Mutu, who has represented the constituency since 1999 and is one of Nigeria’s longest-serving lawmakers in the Fourth Republic. They unanimously resolved that he should not seek an eighth consecutive term in 2027, citing the need for fairness, leadership renewal, and broader political inclusion.
The meeting said it was time for a peaceful transition to allow new voices and capable leaders to emerge.
2. Patani LGA Gets 2027 Ticket
In the spirit of equity and balanced representation, the 2027 House of Representatives seat was ceded to Patani LGA, which has not held the position since democracy returned in 1999.
3. Ganagana Adopted as Consensus Candidate*
After consultations on competence, acceptability, and legislative experience, the meeting adopted Rt. Hon. Basil Okolobaowei Ganagana, former Acting Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and a native of Patani LGA, as the sole consensus candidate for the House of Representatives seat. The leaders expressed confidence in his political maturity and commitment to inclusive representation.
4. Rotational Framework and Term Limit
To ensure stability and fairness, representation will now rotate between Bomadi and Patani LGAs. Any elected representative will be limited to a maximum of two terms, or eight years, before the seat rotates to the other LGA.
5. Demand for Credible Primaries and Peaceful Politics
The communique called for transparent and credible party primaries free from imposition and undue interference. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful, lawful political engagement and urged the Delta State Government, party leaders, traditional rulers, and democratic institutions to support fairness and leadership renewal in the constituency.
6. Monitoring Committee Set Up
A Joint Elders and Stakeholders Committee was established with representatives from both LGAs. The committee will monitor political developments and ensure adherence to the rotational agreement.
The leaders said the resolutions are not targeted at any individual but are meant to strengthen unity, promote inclusiveness, encourage leadership succession, and ensure sustainable political and developmental progress for both LGAs ahead of 2027.
The communique concluded that democracy grows stronger when leadership opportunities are expanded and all segments of society feel a sense of belonging. Signatories included representatives from both Patani and Bomadi LGAs, including Hon. ‘Tonye Timi, Chief Bare Etolor, AIG Assayamor Tuesday rtd., and others.
