With Saviour Ekpe, Ph.D
As the 2027 elections draw closer, political conversations are increasingly taking shape across the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency. Among the emerging contenders, one name is steadily attracting attention for reasons that go beyond party politics — Mfon Peters of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA). For many constituents, the question before 2027 is not simply about who will occupy the seat in the House of Representatives. It is about who can provide effective representation, build bridges across the two local government areas and bring a new sense of purpose, accessibility and development to the constituency. On that score, Mfon Peters presents a compelling alternative.
A Candidate with a Foot in Both LGAs
One of the most striking advantages of Mfon Peters is her unique connection to the two local government areas that make up the federal constituency. Mfon is an indigene of Itu Local Government Area by birth, while she is married to a man from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
This is more than a biographical coincidence. Politically, it gives her an unusual advantage.
She understands Itu not merely as a politician seeking votes but as her place of birth and the community that shaped her. At the same time, through marriage, she has a direct family and social connection to Ibiono Ibom.
In a constituency where questions of balance, rotation and equitable representation can sometimes shape political choices, Mrs. Peters’ background offers an opportunity to build a bridge rather than deepen existing divisions. Her emergence therefore has the potential to attract meaningful support from both Itu and Ibiono Ibom, giving her a natural constituency-wide appeal.
The DLA (Democratic Leadership Alliance) Factor
Mrs. Peters is also running under the platform of the Democratic Leadership Alliance, a party seeking to present an alternative political direction to Nigerians. Her candidacy therefore comes with the possibility of something different from the familiar political cycle — a representative who can approach the office with fresh ideas, a stronger constituency-development agenda and a commitment to making the federal constituency more visible at the national level.
Representation in the National Assembly should not be reduced to attendance at plenary sessions or participation in debates. A federal lawmaker is expected to represent constituents effectively, contribute to legislation, exercise oversight and attract development opportunities to the constituency. The people of Itu/Ibiono Ibom deserve a representative who understands these responsibilities and is prepared to make the constituency’s interests a priority.
Why the Constituency Needs an Alternative
The coming election provides an opportunity for constituents to assess representation not merely by political affiliation but by performance, capacity, accessibility and the ability to articulate the aspirations of the people. For years, voters have been presented with familiar political choices. But democracy becomes meaningful when citizens are willing to examine alternatives and ask whether the status quo is delivering the desired results.
This is where the Peters candidacy becomes significant. She represents a possibility of generational and political renewal — a chance to introduce a different voice into the representation of Itu/Ibiono Ibom at the federal level. Her supporters believe she can bring together different interests across the constituency and ensure that neither LGA feels excluded from the benefits of federal representation.
A Woman with a Constituency-Wide Advantage
Another important dimension of Peters’ candidacy is the possibility of increased female representation in the National Assembly. Women remain significantly underrepresented in Nigeria’s political institutions. A credible female candidate with strong grassroots connections like Mfon Peters can therefore provide not only political diversity but also a different perspective on issues affecting families, women, young people and vulnerable members of society. Peters’ candidature offers constituents an opportunity to consider competence and capacity beyond gender while also recognizing the importance of opening more political space for women.
Beyond Politics
Ultimately, the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency needs representation that goes beyond election-season visibility. The constituency requires a representative who can effectively lobby for federal projects, champion infrastructure development, support education and youth empowerment, attract government intervention and maintain regular engagement with constituents. It needs someone who can speak for the people in Abuja and still remain connected to the people at home. That is the standard against which every candidate should be judged.
Peters: A Better Alternative?
The answer to that question will ultimately be determined by the electorate. But what is increasingly difficult to ignore is the strategic advantage Mfon Peters brings to the contest. She is Itu-born. She is connected to Ibiono Ibom by marriage. She is contesting on the platform of the Democratic Leadership Alliance. And she is presenting herself as an alternative to the established political order.
For a constituency seeking unity, effective representation and a new political direction, that combination makes Peters a candidate worthy of serious consideration. The 2027 election may therefore not simply be about replacing one representative with another. It could be about choosing a new approach to representation. And for the people of Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Mfon Peters may just be the better alternative.