By Deborah Coker
An APC Chieftain in Delta, Lawrence Barbodor, says Thursday’s peaceful protest in Patani, Delta, signalled an urgent need for democratic equity in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency.
Barbodor said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Friday.
NAN reports that a large number of residents of the locality had, on Thursday, blocked the East-West road in protest against the continuous stay in office of the current member representing the constituency.
NAN also reports that the protest, which lasted more than four hours and paralysed social and economic activities, drew widespread attention to growing concerns over representation in the federal constituency.
Speaking on the development, the APC chieftain said that the development underscored both the importance of the road as a national economic artery and the depth of public sentiment surrounding the issue.
He said that democracy could not thrive where representation was perceived as permanent or exclusive.
“After nearly three decades of continuous occupancy of a single office by one individual, it is both reasonable and necessary to allow space for new leadership to emerge,” he said.
Barbodor also raised concerns regarding the perceived lack of measurable legislative impact over the years, including limited evidence of constituency-focused bills, motions or federal projects that directly benefitted the people.
“At the heart of the protest is a clear and consistent message: the demand for fairness, equity and democratic inclusion.
“Residents are calling for an opportunity for other qualified individuals, particularly from Patani Local Government Area, to represent the constituency in the 2027 general elections.
“Stakeholders, community leaders and concerned residents have emphasised that this agitation is not driven by hostility, but by a legitimate expectation that democracy must provide room for participation, rotation and accountability.
“This protest is widely seen as a reflection of mounting grassroots frustration and a call for institutional actors to respond responsibly,” he stated.
The APC chieftain called on the Delta government to take cognisance of the situation and uphold democratic neutrality during the primaries.
“Political parties must also ensure open, transparent and competitive primaries ahead of 2027, while security agencies should continue to support peaceful civic expression.
“The Thursday event serves as a critical reminder that the voice of the people remains central to democratic governance.
“Ignoring such expressions of the public will risk deepening discontent and undermining confidence in democratic institutions.
“The people of Bomadi/Patani federal constituency have demonstrated restraint, unity and civic responsibility.
“It is now incumbent on government and political stakeholders to respond with equal responsibility by ensuring that the principles of fairness, equity and inclusion are upheld.
“Democracy must not only endure, it must evolve to reflect the will and aspirations of the people,” he added.
(NAN)