NICHOLAS Mutu Ebomo, the lawmaker representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State, has emerged as the longest-serving member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, maintaining an unbroken presence in the green chamber since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
With 27 consecutive years in parliament, Mutu remains the only legislator to have served continuously from Nigeria’s return to democratic governance to date, a rare feat in a political landscape often marked by defections, intense party rivalries and shifting alliances.
Since his first election in 1999 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mutu has successfully secured re-election in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023, demonstrating remarkable electoral resilience in a system where many lawmakers struggle to retain their seats beyond one or two terms.
Nigeria’s political environment has historically been characterised by internal party disputes, leadership crises and frequent defections, factors that often derail re-election ambitions. Against this backdrop, Mutu’s sustained presence in the National Assembly stands out as an exceptional case of political durability and grassroots relevance.
His uninterrupted legislative journey officially entered a new chapter in 2025 when he defected from the PDP after more than two decades in the opposition party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was formally announced during plenary by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who welcomed Mutu into the APC and described him as the oldest-serving member of Nigeria’s parliament.
Speaker Abbas commended Mutu’s long years of service and noted the political significance of his move to the ruling party.
Explaining his decision to leave the PDP, Mutu cited unresolved internal crises at both national and zonal levels within the party, stating that the persistent divisions had weakened its structure and operational effectiveness.
Observers note that party instability has often contributed to the loss of seats by lawmakers seeking re-election, making Mutu’s longevity even more remarkable.
Born on June 15, 1960, Mutu hails from Delta State. He attended Rivers State School of Basic Studies, graduating in 1986, before proceeding to St. Clements University, Caicos/Ireland, British West Indies, where he obtained a degree in 2003.
Before entering the National Assembly, he served as Chairman of Bomadi Local Government Council between 1996 and 1997, gaining administrative and grassroots political experience that would later shape his legislative career.
Throughout his 27-year tenure, Mutu has served on several strategic committees of the House of Representatives.
Most notably, he served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from 2009 to 2019, spanning multiple assemblies.
During his time as committee chairman, he played a central role in legislative oversight aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and improved development outcomes in oil-producing communities across the Niger Delta.
He has also served on committees including Banking and Currency, Niger Delta, Governmental Affairs, Sports, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Beyond his legislative duties in Abuja, Mutu has initiated various constituency projects and empowerment programmes across Bomadi and Patani.
These include scholarship schemes for students, youth and women empowerment initiatives, job creation programmes, health outreach missions and infrastructure interventions designed to improve living conditions in riverine communities.
His sustained electoral victories are often attributed to his continued engagement with constituents and visible grassroots projects.
In Nigeria’s legislature, frequent turnover is the norm rather than the exception. Many lawmakers lose their seats due to internal party primaries, shifting political alliances or broader electoral dynamics.
Mutu’s ability to navigate these turbulent political cycles for nearly three decades underscores both his political adaptability and deep-rooted support base.
There are indications that Mutu may seek re-election in 2027. If successful, he would further extend his historic record as Nigeria’s longest-serving member of the House of Representatives.
Currently serving under the platform of the APC, Mutu continues to represent Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, adding yet another chapter to what is already one of the most enduring legislative careers in Nigeria’s democratic history.
His 27-year uninterrupted tenure remains a defining milestone in the Fourth Republic, a testament to political survival, strategic adaptability and sustained constituency support.