Timi urges performance-based vote in 2027

Dr Tonye Timi, Executive Director of Corporate Services at the South/South Development Commission, has urged stakeholders in the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency to set aside personal loyalty and prioritise performance, accountability and inclusiveness when electing representatives in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in an interview on Thursday, Timi said representation in a democracy is not merely a political privilege but a serious responsibility that must be measured by legislative effectiveness, responsiveness and tangible development.

He noted that as Nigeria’s democracy continues to mature since the return to civil rule in 1999, citizens must increasingly assess the quality of representation they receive at the National Assembly.

According to him, the approaching 2027 elections present a defining moment for stakeholders in Bomadi/Patani, including traditional institutions, political leaders, civil society groups and voters, to reflect critically on the future of the constituency.

“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.

Timi explained that membership of the House of Representatives goes beyond occupying a seat in Abuja, stressing that lawmakers must sponsor bills, move motions, shape national discourse, provide oversight and attract development projects to their constituencies.

He said legislators should be judged by practical benchmarks such as the number of bills they sponsor, motions they raise on constituency concerns, participation in policy debates and their success in attracting federal infrastructure, social programmes and institutional interventions.

“These are not abstract questions. They are practical benchmarks that determine whether representation is truly serving its purpose,” he stated.

He argued that where such indicators remain consistently low over time, it becomes necessary for constituents to reconsider continuity in office.

The former member of the Delta State House of Assembly representing Patani Constituency said that while longevity in office may suggest experience, it must be matched by measurable impact.

According to him, democracy thrives not on tenure alone but on visible and meaningful improvements in the lives of the people.

He warned that prolonged representation without progressive results could lead to stagnation, adding that fresh ideas, renewed energy and new leadership perspectives are vital for responsive governance.

Timi also highlighted pressing socio-economic challenges facing communities in Bomadi/Patani, including youth unemployment, infrastructure deficits, environmental concerns and access to federal opportunities, stressing that such issues require proactive and visible representation.

He further emphasised the importance of equity and inclusion, noting that all communities within the constituency must feel fairly represented in political opportunities.

According to him, rotational arrangements, where appropriate, can strengthen unity and reinforce collective ownership of the democratic process.

Timi urged stakeholders to rise above personal loyalties and focus on the broader interest of the constituency.

“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,” he said.

He added that the 2027 elections offer Bomadi/Patani a crucial opportunity to prioritise competence, inclusiveness and long-term development, stressing that continuity should only be justified by sustained impact, while poor performance should make leadership renewal necessary.