Nicholas Mutu Ebomo, member representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State, has emerged as the longest-serving member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, having maintained an unbroken presence in the green chamber since the inauguration of the fourth republic in 1999.
With 27 consecutive years in parliament, Mutu remains the only lawmaker to have served continuously from Nigeria’s return to democratic rule till date, surviving multiple electoral cycles in a political environment often characterised by defections, party crises and shifting alliances.
In Nigeria, it is common for politicians to change political parties when their interests are threatened or internal party disputes arise.
Major political parties have also experienced recurring leadership crises, which frequently result in defections and electoral losses for many aspirants, particularly lawmakers seeking re-election.
Against this background, Mutu’s uninterrupted legislative career stands out, especially in a system where political instability often limits the longevity of elected officials.
Mutu was first elected into the House of Representatives in 1999 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He went on to secure re-election in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023, all under the PDP, before defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2025.
His defection was formally announced during plenary by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who welcomed him into the APC fold and described him as the oldest-serving member of Nigeria’s parliament.
The Speaker commended Mutu’s long years of service and noted the significance of his move to the ruling party.
Explaining his decision to leave the PDP, Mutu cited unresolved internal divisions within the party at both national and zonal levels, saying the crisis had made it difficult for the opposition party to function effectively.
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 his degree in 2003.
Before his election into the National Assembly, he served as Chairman of Bomadi Local Government Council between 1996 and 1997.
During his long legislative career, Mutu has held several committee assignments. Most prominently, he served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from 2009 to 2019, spanning multiple assemblies.
As committee chairman, he was involved in oversight activities aimed at strengthening accountability within the commission and promoting development in oil-producing communities across the Niger Delta.
He has also served on other committees, including Banking and Currency, Niger Delta, Governmental Affairs, Sports, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Mutu has initiated various constituency projects and empowerment programmes, including scholarship schemes for students, youth and women empowerment initiatives, job creation programmes, health outreach missions and infrastructural interventions across communities in Bomadi and Patani.
His sustained electoral success contrasts with the frequent turnover of lawmakers in Nigeria’s legislature, where many representatives fail to retain their seats due to party disputes, internal primaries, or changing political alignments.
Observers note that Mutu’s ability to maintain voter support over seven general elections underscores his strong grassroots base in Delta State.
There are indications that the lawmaker may seek re-election in 2027, which, if successful, would further extend his record as Nigeria’s longest-serving member of the House of Representatives.
Mutu is currently serving in the House under the platform of the APC, following more than two decades in the PDP, and remains the representative of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency.
