Picture: Dr Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso in an interview session with journalists
By David Onwuchekwa
In every democracy, the power to elect is also the power to demand accountability.
Politicians routinely approach the electorate with promises of better representation, improved infrastructure, empowerment, employment opportunities and stronger advocacy.
But after the votes are counted and the mandate secured, constituents sometimes complain that the enthusiasm of campaign season disappears until another election approaches.
That reality is increasingly becoming part of the political conversation in Bende Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Supporters and stakeholders backing Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, popularly known as OFUJI, say Bende needs a new direction and a fresh approach to representation. They argue that after two consecutive terms by the incumbent representative, the electorate should have the opportunity to entrust the mandate to a new face.
The argument is not simply about changing a name on the ballot, they insist. It is about changing the expectations attached to political representation.
For these stakeholders, democracy should not be reduced to the ritual of politicians returning to constituents only when another election is approaching.
Representation, they contend, must be measured by accessibility, responsiveness, legislative effectiveness and the ability to consistently connect government opportunities with the everyday needs of the people.
The Bende contest has already generated competing claims of support. Benjamin Kalu, who has represented the constituency since 2019 and is currently Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has received public endorsements from groups and stakeholders calling for his third-term bid.
On the other side, Anyaso’s supporters have been openly campaigning for a change in representation, with reports of endorsements from stakeholders who argue that the constituency should give another candidate an opportunity.
That makes the 2027 election more than a contest between two personalities. It is shaping up as a debate over what Bende constituents want from representation at this stage of the constituency’s political development.
Those backing OFUJI say the electorate are calling for change, to have a new narrative.
They argue that continuity has value only when it continues to produce results that constituents can see, feel and measure.
Where voters believe a different approach is required, they say, democracy gives them the right to make that choice at the ballot box.
Their message is therefore simple: give fresh blood a chance. They believe Anyaso represents an opportunity to introduce a new generation of ideas, energy and engagement into Bende’s representation at the National Assembly.
His supporters have also pointed to his campaign emphasis on people-centred representation and development.
The central question for voters, therefore, is not merely who has occupied the seat before or who has accumulated political influence.
It is what kind of representation Bende needs going forward.
Should the constituency continue with the existing political direction, or should it open a new chapter with another representative?
For the supporters of OFUJI, the answer is already clear. They say Bende deserves representation that remains connected to the people beyond election season, representation that treats the mandate as a responsibility rather than a permanent entitlement, and representation that brings fresh ideas to the legislative table.
They insist that change is a permanent feature of democracy and that no political office should be regarded as the permanent possession of any individual.
As 2027 approaches, therefore, the battle for Bende is increasingly becoming a battle of ideas, records, promises and expectations.
And ultimately, the decision belongs to the voters. The ballot box, not political declarations, will determine whether Bende chooses continuity or a new direction.
