Patani Protesters Take Agitation to East-West Road, Demand Turn for Bomadi/Patani Seat ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Andy Emephia

Commercial and social activities were partially disrupted on Thursday, April 30, 2026, as civil protesters staged a peaceful procession along the Patani axis of the East-West Road, calling for greater inclusiveness and an end to the prolonged tenure of Hon. Nicholas Mutu as representative of the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency.

The protest, which drew a large turnout of Patani indigenes, caused a traffic gridlock that lasted over four hours, with a ripple effect on economic and commercial activities along the busy corridor.

Participants, including stakeholders, community leaders and concerned citizens, stressed that their agitation was not borne out of hostility but anchored on legitimate democratic expectations namely participation, equity, rotation among constituent units, and accountability.

At the core of the demonstration was a clear demand for fairness, equity and democratic inclusion. Protesters, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, urged that the 2027 general elections should provide an opportunity for other qualified individuals particularly from Patani Local Government Area to represent the constituency.

One community stakeholder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, maintained that democracy cannot flourish where representation appears permanent or exclusive. 

According to him, after nearly three decades of continuous occupancy of a single office by one individual, it is both reasonable and necessary to allow new leadership with fresh ideas to emerge.

The protesters also expressed concern over what they described as limited legislative impact, citing a perceived lack of constituency-focused bills, motions, and federal projects that directly benefit the people over the past 27 years.

They appealed to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to take note of their concerns and help ensure that any looming tensions are managed with fairness and democratic neutrality. 

They also called on political parties to conduct open, transparent and competitive primaries, while urging security agencies to continue supporting peaceful civic expression and maintaining public order.

Observers note that the protest serves as a reminder that the voice of the people remains central to democratic governance, warning that ignoring such expressions could deepen public discontent and erode confidence in democratic institutions.