Ahead of 2027 House of Assembly election, Orumbavoice media, through opinion polls, has gathered the feelings of the masses as it regards the representation at the State House of Assembly.
The people of Orumba South have made their position unmistakably clear: they will no longer support candidates for the House of Assembly who reside abroad or return to contest elections without being truly resident in the constituency for long years.
This growing sentiment, echoed across villages and communities, is not driven by bias or emotion. Rather, it is rooted in hard-learned lessons from past experiences and the urgent need for effective, responsive leadership.
According to the opinions of the people, “representation must go beyond names on a ballot — it must be grounded in physical presence, accessibility, and lived experience with the people.
In the past, Orumba South had elected representatives who either lived abroad or returned briefly to campaign and win elections, only to disappear afterwards. These “absentee lawmakers” are often unaware of the day-to-day struggles of their constituents — from failed infrastructure to youth unemployment, insecurity, and poor access to healthcare and education.
A lawmaker who does not live among the people can not feel their pain and therefore can not adequately fight for their interests in the House of Assembly.
The people are tired of leaders who only return during elections and vanish when it is time to serve.
They have maintained that a resident representative is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Governance in a constituency like Orumba South requires day-to-day presence, grassroots engagement, and prompt response to emergencies and community concerns.
Lawmaking is not limited to sitting in the chamber; it involves understanding the unique challenges of the people, advocating for constituency projects, and constantly liaising with state actors to bring development home. None of these duties can be effectively carried out by someone who is based abroad or only visits occasionally.
Furthermore, the insistence on a resident candidate promotes local empowerment and political inclusion. There are numerous capable individuals within Orumba South who have been active in community service, understand the terrain, and are in tune with the needs and aspirations of the people. Bypassing them in favour of outsiders or returnees undermines local development and sends a dangerous message that community presence is irrelevant in politics.
It is time to reward those who have stayed, served, and sacrificed within the constituency.
The people of Orumba South are right to take a stand. Their demand is not just a matter of preference; it is a call for justice, accountability, and true representation.
They want someone who walks their streets, attends their town hall meetings, and is within reach when it matters most. Going forward, any candidate who does not live among the people, regardless of their credentials or background, should not expect their mandate. The era of absentee representation must end — and it starts now.
