Lawmaker representing Bomadi, Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State, in the House of Representatives, Nicholas Mutu, is facing rejection from his consistency.
A socio-political group under the aegis of Movement for the Rotation of Power in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency has protested the lawmaker’s presence in the House of Reps for 26 years, since 1999.
The group also known as Patani Agenda 2027, staged a peaceful protest to the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori demanding a shift in political representation of the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Led by Mrs Binaebi Keboh, the group marched to the Government House Asaba, lamenting that the long stay of one individual in the position has created political imbalance, underdevelopment, and marginalization of Patani communities.
“Our call today is not just political, it is moral. Patani has been sidelined for 26 years. The time has come to allow equity, fairness, and justice in our constituency,” Keboh said.
The group listed several alleged failures under Mutu’s long representation, including poor legislative visibility, absence of impactful bills, lack of strategic federal presence, and neglect of Patani LGA in constituency development projects.
Keboh, said the group supported Governor Oborevwori passionately during the 2023 elections and played strategic roles in stabilizing his mandate during legal litigations, adding that the constituency expects “fair political accommodation in return.”
Some other members of the movement, including, Chris Anthony, Pastor Avwoke Fredrick, Comrade Enai Barry, maintained that there is no major federal project to show for 26 years of representation. No notable road infrastructure, no industrial development, nothing meaningful for the youth. We cannot continue like this.
Key demands of the group include, the rotation of the Bomadi/Patani House of Representatives seat to Patani LGA in 2027, exclusion of Nicholas Mutu from the 2027 House of Representatives contest, direct intervention by Governor Oborevwori in zoning arrangements, warning to all political parties that fielding Mutu again may lead to electoral backlash and a recognition of Patani Agenda 2027 as a legitimate democratic movement.
The group maintained that the movement is “peaceful but determined” and warned that any attempt to retain the seat in Bomadi LGA could spark resistance at the polls.
In his response, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Johnson Erijo, who addressed the protesters on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori assured the people of Bomadi/ Patani federal constituency that all aspirants will be given a level playing ground to contest the position.
“One thing I can assure you is that everyone who wants to contest for any position in the 2027 election will be given a level playing ground. Even the President, Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will be subjected to the electoral processes,” he stated.
While commending the group for their solidarity and support to the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Tinubu, Prince Erijo also thanked members of the movement for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner and assured that all their concerns will get to the State Governor.
He urged them to continue to maintain peace in their federal constituency as the state government under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to ensure that Deltans enjoy the dividends of democracy.
