EACH LEADER IS ENTITLED TO ONLY ONE VOTE*

The people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency must no longer allow a handful of compromised and self-serving leaders to mortgage their collective future for personal political interests. No matter how highly placed any leader may claim to be, the truth remains that each leader is entitled to only one vote and cannot impose his personal ambition or preferred candidate on the entire people.

The continued attempt to force Nicholas Mutu on the people despite nearly three decades in the House of Representatives is an insult to democracy and an affront to the aspirations of the younger generation yearning for fresh leadership and meaningful development. Having occupied the same office since 1999 and now pushing towards almost 32 uninterrupted years, one would expect visible transformation, political mentorship, and a strong developmental legacy across Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency. Sadly, many people believe the constituency has remained politically stagnant under his prolonged dominance.

What is even more shameful is the role being played by certain regional leaders who have abandoned integrity, fairness, and conscience in pursuit of selfish political gains. These leaders, instead of standing with the people and speaking truthfully about the need for change, have turned themselves into political merchants moving from one community to another seeking endorsements for a candidate whose acceptance within his own constituency is increasingly being questioned.

A leader with dignity and integrity would never abandon his people to parade another man’s political ambition from one kingdom to another. If Nicholas Mutu truly enjoys the confidence and goodwill of the people of Bomadi/Patani, why are these leaders desperately shopping for endorsements outside the constituency? Why are they struggling so hard to manufacture acceptance where genuine popularity should already exist naturally?

Their actions expose the depth of political desperation and the collapse of principled leadership within the region. These so-called leaders have shown that personal interests, access to political favors, and loyalty to individuals matter more to them than the collective progress of the people they claim to represent.

The grassroots movement and supporters across Bomadi/Patani are no longer intimidated by these biased and compromised leaders. The era of political intimidation and imposition is over. Nobody can enslave the people politically in order to satisfy the ambition of Nicholas Mutu or preserve the interests of a few political elites.

Many politicians who entered the House of Representatives in 1999 alongside Mutu have long moved on to become governors, senators, national leaders, and respected statesmen. Some completed their service and left behind visible achievements and enduring legacies. Yet after almost three decades in office, many constituents still struggle to identify the transformational impact that justifies such prolonged occupation of a single political office.

The APC must be careful not to destroy its own opportunities in the constituency by encouraging the politics of imposition. Any attempt to force a candidate on the people against their wishes will only create deeper resentment and resistance at the grassroots level.

We therefore reject every attempt to manipulate the political process through so-called consensus arrangements designed by compromised leaders. The only acceptable path forward is an open, transparent, and credible primary election where aspirants are allowed to compete fairly before the people.

The people have lost confidence in the secret arrangements and endorsements being orchestrated by leaders who no longer represent the voice of the grassroots. History will remember those who stood with the people and those who attempted to suppress the democratic will of the constituency for selfish political interests.

No leader is bigger than the people. No leader has more than one vote. And no one will enslave Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency for Nicholas Mutu.

Written by, 

Peremobowei Werinipre