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From Fred Itua
Residents and stakeholders in Kogi East have called on voters in the Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency to prioritise the competence, capacity and track record of candidates over political party affiliation in determining who represents them in the National Assembly in the 2027 general election.
The group made the call while expressing support for the House of Representatives candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency, Hon. Daniel One Ejigbo (Oni).
They urged sons and daughters of Kogi East to approach the 2027 election as an opportunity to critically assess the quality, competence and ability of individuals seeking their mandate, rather than voting solely on the basis of party loyalty.
According to them, effective legislative representation requires more than occupying a seat in the National Assembly, stressing that elected representatives must have the capacity to identify the challenges confronting their constituents and translate them into concrete legislative and developmental interventions.
“There is a difference between occupying a National Assembly seat and effectively representing a constituency. Occupancy is about being present. Representation is about making that presence count.
“A representative should understand the problems of the people who elected him or her and be able to translate those problems into legislative proposals, motions, interventions, committee work, policy advocacy and appropriate engagement with ministries, departments and agencies,” the group said.
They further stressed the importance of understanding the constitutional responsibilities of the legislature, particularly the distinction between legislative functions and responsibilities that properly belong to the executive arm of government.
“The representative should understand the difference between what belongs to the executive arm of government and what properly falls within the responsibility of the legislature,” they added.
The residents argued that while political parties provide the platform through which candidates contest elections, the personal competence and capacity of the candidate should ultimately be a major consideration for voters.
They maintained that party affiliation should not overshadow the need to elect individuals capable of providing effective representation, attracting meaningful development and championing the interests of their constituents.
According to the group, Kogi East needs representatives who can effectively engage with relevant government ministries, departments and agencies, participate meaningfully in legislative proceedings and pursue interventions capable of improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, employment and other sectors critical to the development of the constituency.
They said the Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency deserved a representative who would remain accessible to constituents, understand their concerns and consistently advocate their interests at the National Assembly.
The group further expressed confidence in the ability of Hon. Daniel One Ejigbo to provide what they described as “competent and purposeful representation” if elected in 2027.
They said Oni possesses the requisite capacity to articulate the concerns of the people and pursue an agenda focused on effective representation and sustainable development.
They therefore called on eligible voters across Bassa and Dekina to examine the antecedents, competence, ideas and capacity of all candidates before casting their ballots, insisting that the 2027 election should be about electing individuals capable of delivering measurable results for the constituency.
The residents maintained that the quality of representation ultimately determines whether the presence of a constituency in the National Assembly translates into tangible benefits for the people, urging voters to place the interests and future development of Bassa/Dekina above partisan considerations.
