The Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency, Dr. Terver Zua Tule, has criticised what he described as decades of poor representation and lack of inclusivity in the constituency, saying the people deserve leadership driven by competence, policy and accountability.
Dr. Tule, a public health physician and Family Medicine diplomat, said his decision to contest the 2027 House of Representatives election was motivated by the need to provide what he described as “inclusive representation” to the people of the constituency.
He argued that political leadership should not be based solely on sentiments or partisan calculations, insisting that elected representatives must possess demonstrable leadership experience and an understanding of public policy.
“I have been in leadership even as a student in the university. As a public health physician and Family Medicine diplomat, I have spent my career serving people,” he said.
According to the SDP candidate, the quality of representation should be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of constituents rather than the length of time an individual has occupied political office.
Dr. Tule asked voters to examine the dividends of democracy that have accrued to Vandeikya/Konshisha over the past 23 years, particularly in neglected communities such as Mbayongu.
“In the last 23 years, what are the dividends of democracy to Vandeikya? I give you the example of Mbayongu. Mbayongu has none of the basic amenities,” he said.
He lamented the poor state of roads in rural communities, saying many roads were still being constructed manually by residents using hoes, despite the agricultural importance of the area.
“If you ever pass there, the roads are community-driven, dug with hoes. There is a lot of work to be done. There is no electricity. Where are the roads for farmers to take their goods to the markets? Where are the post-harvest facilities?” he asked.
The SDP candidate said the situation was particularly disturbing because the constituency had been represented by elected politicians for close to three decades.
Dr. Tule also made inclusivity a major plank of his campaign, describing his candidacy as a “peaceful protest for inclusivity” and questioning what he called the prolonged exclusion of some communities from political representation.
“You can’t be with someone for more than 20 years and there is no inclusivity, no justice. For two decades, no Kunav man. For over 20 years, no Tiev person,” he said.
He argued that the political reality of the constituency made the issue even more compelling, noting that Vandeikya had historically provided crucial votes to candidates who emerged victorious in the federal constituency.
“Yet, for all record time, whoever won that election won because of votes from Vandeikya,” Dr. Tule said.
He therefore urged voters to look beyond political sentiments and assess candidates based on competence, leadership record, inclusivity and their capacity to deliver measurable development to the constituency.
