Bomadi/Patani tensions threaten mass APC defection
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, John Feh, has called for urgent intervention by both the federal and state governments over the deepening political crisis in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, warning that continued inaction could trigger a mass defection of party members to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Feh said the constituency was nearing a critical political tipping point that required immediate and strategic action.
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*John Feh, (left) and Hon Nicholas Mutu, incumbent legislator, Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency
Nathan Tamarapreye
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, John Feh, has called for urgent intervention by both the federal and state governments over the deepening political crisis in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, warning that continued inaction could trigger a mass defection of party members to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Feh said the constituency was nearing a critical political tipping point that required immediate and strategic action.
He warned that emerging developments suggested a strong likelihood of widespread defections from the ruling political structure to the rival NDC, driven by mounting dissatisfaction among key stakeholders and grassroots supporters.
“This is not a routine political shift. It is a systemic sign of discontent that could fundamentally alter the political balance of the constituency and beyond if not urgently addressed.
“The situation demands decisive, fair and forward-looking action by the Delta State Government and all relevant stakeholders to preserve democratic stability and public confidence,” he said.
Feh argued that at the heart of the looming crisis was longstanding dissatisfaction with the quality of legislative representation in the constituency over nearly three decades.
He alleged that Nicholas Mutu, who has represented the constituency for about 28 years, is widely perceived to have had a limited, measurable impact, citing an absence of clearly identifiable sponsored bills, motions, or constituency-driven legislative initiatives.
He also raised concerns over what he described as the lack of a functional constituency office and limited engagement with constituents.
“Representation, in its true sense, requires visibility, accessibility and tangible outcomes. Where these are absent over such an extended period, public frustration becomes inevitable,” he stated.
Feh further claimed that dissatisfaction had been worsened by perceptions that Mutu’s continued hold on office had been sustained more by political patronage than by performance or genuinely competitive democratic processes.
According to him, suggestions that such patronage could still shape future candidacy decisions had intensified tensions within the constituency.
“For many stakeholders, this reinforces the belief that the political space is not sufficiently open, thereby weakening confidence in internal democratic mechanisms and fuelling the current momentum towards collective political realignment,” he said.
He warned that the situation represented more than isolated grievances, describing it instead as a coordinated political shift rooted in demands for fairness, inclusion and credible representation.
Feh cautioned that such a large-scale defection could significantly reshape the political landscape in Bomadi/Patani, weaken established party structures and create avoidable instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He added that the broader implications could extend beyond the constituency and affect Delta State’s wider political environment if urgent measures were not taken.
He therefore urged the Delta State Government and relevant political stakeholders to restore confidence through transparent, inclusive and credible political processes, especially in candidate selection.
Feh stressed that meaningful engagement with critical stakeholders, acknowledgement of legitimate grievances and a visible commitment to fairness would be essential to reversing the growing discontent.
“The choice is clear: respond decisively to the voice of the people now or face the far-reaching consequences of mass political defection later,” he said.
