Nigeria's longest-serving House member faces end of 28-year tenure after primary loss

Nicholas Mutu, representing the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in Delta State, is set to conclude Nigeria's longest-serving tenure in the House of Representatives after 28 unbroken years. His current term ends on May 29, 2027.

However, Mutu's long parliamentary career may be cut short following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary contest for the House of Representatives. He lost to Basil Ganagana, a former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, who secured 4,320 votes compared to Mutu's 392. Mutu has contested the outcome, alleging malpractice during the primary election.

Mutu shares the record for the longest service in Nigeria's National Assembly with former Senate President Ahmed Lawan. Both have been in federal parliament since 1999. Lawan served in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2007 before moving to the Senate, where he will complete 20 years in 2027. If re-elected next year, Lawan could extend his total National Assembly service to 32 years by 2031, mirroring the trajectory of U.S. Congressman John Dingell, who served over 59 years.

As the doyen of the House of Representatives, the 65-year-old Mutu, who chaired the House Committee on Gas Resources in the 9th National Assembly, is considered a role model for his legislative experience and composure. His political career has been marked by legislative acumen and grassroots engagement.