The political atmosphere in Delta shifted dramatically following the defeat of veteran federal lawmaker, Nicholas Mutu, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mutu, who has represented the constituency in the House of Representatives since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, lost the party’s ticket to Basil Okolobaowei Ganagana during the keenly contested primary election.
The result was officially announced by the returning officer for the exercise, Sir Fidelis Tilije, who declared Ganagana as the winner of the contest.
The outcome effectively brings an end to Mutu’s remarkable 28-year stay in the Green Chamber, a political journey that has made him one of the longest-serving lawmakers from the Niger Delta region.
Delegates, party officials, and supporters who witnessed the primary described the election as peaceful and competitive, with many applauding the APC leadership in the state for conducting what they called a transparent democratic process.
Shortly after emerging victorious, Ganagana thanked party delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, while pledging to strengthen the party and provide quality representation if elected in the general elections.
“I am humbled by the confidence reposed in me by delegates and party faithful.
”This victory is for the people of Bomadi and Patani Federal Constituency. I promise to provide effective representation and build on the democratic ideals of our party,” Ganagana stated.
As of the time of filing this report, Mutu had not publicly commented on the outcome of the primary election.
However, several supporters and political associates of the veteran lawmaker described his political career as historic and impactful, noting that his contributions to both the constituency and the National Assembly would remain significant.
A party chieftain who spoke at the venue of the exercise praised Mutu’s decades of service, insisting that his legacy in Nigerian politics would endure despite the loss.
“Rt. Hon. Nicholas Mutu has paid his dues in Nigerian politics. Twenty-eight years in the House of Representatives is no small achievement. His legacy in the constituency will not be forgotten,” the APC stalwart said.
The Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in Delta has remained under Mutu’s representation for close to three decades, making his defeat one of the most surprising political developments to emerge from the APC primaries in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
