Tears, Troubles and Fifth Term: Borno Lawmaker Begs Constituents After 16 Years in Office

An emotional scene unfolded in Borno State as Akahi News can confirm that Honourable Audu Mustapha Ganga, the lawmaker representing Magumeri Constituency in the Borno State House of Assembly, broke down in tears while pleading with his constituents to endorse his fifth-term bid. After sixteen long years in office, the veteran politician is not ready to let go.

Akahi News learnt that the lawmaker’s emotional appeal came during a meeting with stakeholders from his constituency, many of whom are reportedly calling for fresh representation. In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Ganga is seen fighting back tears as he makes his case for another term.

“You know I am from a poor background, but I was able to do many things for you. I promise to give you better representation if given another chance,” he said, his voice trembling.

But will tears be enough to secure a fifth term?

Six Aspirants Already Waiting in the Wings

The battle for Magumeri is not going to be a walkover. Akahi News gathered that no fewer than six aspirants have already purchased expression of interest and nomination forms to contest for the position. Six hungry challengers. One tearful incumbent. The numbers do not favour Ganga.

After sixteen years, many constituents appear to be suffering from what political scientists call “incumbent fatigue.” The same face, the same promises, the same appeals. At some point, voters begin to ask: what have you done for me lately? And more importantly, what will someone else do that you have not done in nearly two decades?

Sources close to the constituency revealed that the push for new representation is not coming from nowhere. Some stakeholders are reportedly tired of what they describe as Ganga’s disrespect for traditional leaders and party elders. Others simply believe that sixteen years is enough. Term limits, even where not legally codified, can be enforced at the ballot box.

Social Media Erupts: ‘Crocodile Tears’ or Genuine Plea?

The viral video has sparked a firestorm of reactions across social media platforms. Nigerians, as always, are not holding back.

Abubakar Hassan struck a harsh note: “You now know that you came from a poor background after disrespecting your leaders, you know the governor will not spare you.” The accusation of disrespecting leaders is a serious charge in northern Nigerian politics, where traditional hierarchies still command significant influence.

Mu’azu Hassan took a different angle, focusing on economic realities: “It’s not easy providing food for the family. No food for lazy man.” The implication is clear: Ganga’s tears do not put food on anyone’s table. Constituents need results, not emotions.

But not everyone is unmoved. Lawan Modu came to the lawmaker’s defence: “Hon Ganga has impacted the lives of youth and women through empowerment and jobs creation. Shading tears is not a sign of weakness.” For Modu, the tears are evidence of passion, not desperation.

Then there was Muhammad Abba Kura, who delivered the most biting assessment of all: “You are shedding crocodile tears.” The phrase – widely used in Nigerian political discourse – suggests that Ganga’s tears are performative, designed to manipulate rather than genuinely express sorrow.

Who is telling the truth? That is for the people of Magumeri to decide.

What Does This Mean for Borno Politics?

The Ganga case is a microcosm of a larger problem in Nigerian politics: the reluctance of incumbents to voluntarily step aside. From the national assembly to state houses of assembly to local government councils, the same faces recycle themselves election after election. New voices struggle to break through. Young people watch in frustration as their parents’ generation refuses to pass the baton.

Akahi News believes that Ganga’s emotional appeal – whether genuine or not – reveals a deeper truth. Many Nigerian politicians have never prepared for life after office. They have not built businesses. They have not cultivated alternative careers. Politics has become their identity, their livelihood, their everything. The thought of losing an election is not just a political defeat. It is an existential one.

But the people are not necessarily heartless. They understand that politics is a profession. What they reject is the entitlement – the assumption that having served for sixteen years automatically qualifies one for four more. Representation is a contract. And contracts can be renewed or terminated at the pleasure of the voters.

The six aspirants waiting in the wings represent a hunger for change. Whether they are better than Ganga is a question for the campaign trail. But their very presence sends a message: Magumeri is not a one-man constituency. Others have dreams too.

A Philosophical Reflection on Power, Tears, and Term Limits

There is a story about a king who ruled for forty years. When he died, the people built a statue in his honour. But they built it with his back to the palace, facing the road. When asked why, the elders said: “So that he can watch others walk in. He walked in once. Let him watch others take their turn.”

Honourable Audu Mustapha Ganga walked into the Borno State House of Assembly sixteen years ago. He has had his turn. The question before the people of Magumeri is not whether he has done well or poorly. The question is whether it is time for someone else to walk in.

Akahi News believes that tears – whether real or crocodile – should not decide elections. Voters should look at records. They should scrutinize promises. They should interrogate challengers. And they should vote based on competence and vision, not pity.

Ganga says he comes from a poor background. That is a story many Nigerians share. But poverty at birth does not entitle anyone to perpetual political power. If anything, it should remind the lawmaker that other poor people are still waiting for their chance to rise.

Will the tears work? Social media suggests otherwise. But social media is not the ballot box. The people of Magumeri will have their say. And when they do, Honourable Ganga may finally learn whether sixteen years of representation have earned him another four – or a well-deserved retirement.

📌 Key Summary Box – What You Must Know

• ✔ Honourable Audu Mustapha Ganga, Borno lawmaker representing Magumeri Constituency, broke down in tears while pleading for a fifth term after 16 years in office.
• ✔ He reminded constituents of his poor background and promised better representation if given another chance.
• ✔ Six aspirants have already purchased nomination forms to contest his seat, signalling strong opposition.
• ✔ Social media reactions are sharply divided: some accuse him of “crocodile tears” and disrespecting leaders; others defend his record on youth and women empowerment.
• ✔ The emotional appeal has sparked a larger debate about incumbent entitlement, term limits, and the need for fresh representation in Nigerian politics.
• ✔ For Nigerians: Ganga’s tears highlight a recurring issue – politicians who refuse to step aside after decades in office, leaving little room for new voices and younger leaders. Voters must decide based on performance and vision, not pity.