Two federal lawmakers, Ahmed Lawan and Nicholas Mutu, are preparing for another electoral battle in 2027 after serving continuously in the National Assembly since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Both lawmakers are regarded as the longest-serving serving members currently in the National Assembly and are expected to complete 28 uninterrupted years in parliament by the end of the current legislative cycle in 2027.
Lawan began his legislative career in 1999 as a member of the House of Representatives representing Bade/Jakusko Federal Constituency of Yobe State before moving to the Senate in 2007 to represent Yobe North Senatorial District.
He later emerged Senate President between 2019 and 2023 and also served as Senate Majority Leader during the 8th Senate.
Reports indicate that the former Senate President has already obtained expression of interest and nomination forms under the platform of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
During his years in the National Assembly, Lawan sponsored several bills, including amendments to the AMCON Act, the Data Protection Bill, the Public Holiday Act Amendment Bill and the Nigeria Road Safety Commission Bill.
His long stay in office, however, continues to generate mixed reactions across Yobe North.
Some constituents described him as an experienced lawmaker with national influence and strong legislative credentials, while critics argued that his lengthy stay has not translated into enough infrastructural and economic development for the constituency.
A resident of Machina, Abdullahi Mohammed Nasir, praised Lawan for prioritising peace and stability in Yobe State, saying the senator remained committed to youth development and opportunities for constituents.
But another resident, Suleiman Ubaliyo of Nguru Local Government Area, questioned the former Senate President’s impact after decades in office.
“What exactly has Ahmed Lawan accomplished beyond posters and billboards?” he asked.
Human rights activist Khalid Yusuf Tebo also urged voters to critically assess the senator’s performance before deciding on another term, citing lingering developmental challenges in parts of Yobe North.
Supporters of the senator, however, defended his record, pointing to his role in the establishment of the North East Development Commission, federal employment opportunities for youths and interventions on environmental challenges affecting the Hadeja–Jama’are–Komadugu–Yobe river system.
They also credited him with helping to restore Nigeria’s January-to-December budget cycle during his tenure as Senate President and supporting the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act.
Similarly, Nicholas Mutu, who represents Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives, has remained in parliament since 1999 and is also seeking re-election in 2027.
Mutu previously chaired the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission between 2009 and 2019.
Among the bills associated with him are the Federal College of Education (Special), Patani Bill, the Federal Polytechnic Akugbene Bill and amendments to the NDDC Act.
His planned return bid has also sparked criticism among some constituents and political stakeholders in Delta State.
Human rights activist Israel Joe described Mutu’s performance as below average and argued that younger politicians should be given opportunities to represent the constituency.
Another constituent, Mayor Timi Ogobiri, accused the lawmaker of failing to attract meaningful development to the area despite nearly three decades in office.
He alleged that the constituency had witnessed only limited empowerment programmes and short-term outreach activities.
Several other residents, including Africa Prezilagha Orutu and Amb. Tamsokunbiri Mmd, also called on the lawmaker to step aside for a new generation of leaders.
An APC chieftain in Delta State, Dr Eyiseifa Ebiowe, similarly urged Mutu not to seek another term, insisting that the constituency deserved fresh representation.
However, associates of the lawmaker dismissed the criticisms, arguing that there is no constitutional limit to the number of terms lawmakers can serve.
Political analyst Ibrahim Tahir said the prolonged stay of lawmakers in parliament was constitutionally valid because Nigeria’s laws do not impose term limits on legislators.
He, however, warned that democracy thrives better when younger politicians are allowed to participate more actively in governance.
Tahir also criticised the growing adoption of consensus candidacies within political parties, saying the practice weakens the influence of ordinary voters in determining candidates for elections.
