Dr Tonye Timi, Executive Director, Corporate Services, South South Development Commission (SSDC), has commended Bomadi/Patani constituents over the former Delta House of Assembly Speaker, Basil Ganagana’s victory in Saturday’s primary.
Timi gave the commendation in a statement issued on behalf of Concerned Stakeholders and Citizens of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Saturday.
He also lauded the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its transparency and fairness in the conduct of the primary.
Timi said that the exercise, which saw Ganagana, emerging as winner, also featured other aspirants, including the incumbent lawmaker, Nicholas Mutu, Preye Okaba and Dr Chris Ekiyor, who later stepped down for the former speaker.
NAN reports that Ganagana, who polled 14,650 votes to defeat Mutu and Okaba who both scored 1,093 and 609 votes respectively, was declared winner by the APC Returning Officer, Chief Fidelis Tilijie.
Timi noted that the historic victory marked the triumph of fairness, democratic inclusion, leadership renewal and the collective will of the people of the federal constituency.
“We joyfully announce the emergence of Rt. Hon Basil Ganagana as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Bomadi/Patani Federal House of Representatives election, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This historic victory marks the triumph of fairness, democratic inclusion, leadership renewal and the collective will of the people of Bomadi/Patani federal constituency.
“We sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mr. President for giving democratic choices a chance and thank Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for his statesmanship and commitment to fairness and political stability.
“We also deeply acknowledge the immense sacrifices, unwavering support and strategic leadership of Chief Emonena Egukawhore, whose commitment to justice and equitable representation remained steadfast throughout the struggle,” he said.
The SSDC executive director also commended Sen. James Manager for standing firmly for democratic expansion.
He stated that the struggle, embarked upon since the beginning of May and which had now yielded result, was for democracy, inclusivity, fairness and equity to be entrenched in the federal constituency.
“We must continue to promote unity, peace and rotational representation to avoid rancour and division.
“So special appreciation also goes to Sen. James Manager, the good people of Bomadi Local Government Area, Patani stakeholders, party leaders, elders, youths, women and all supporters who stood firmly for democratic expansion and peaceful political transition.
“Today marks not just a political victory, but the beginning of a new chapter of hope, unity, inclusion and broader participation for our people.
“Indeed, it is the dawn of a new day in Bomadi/Patani federal constituency,” Timi said.
By Deborah Coker
