…..The Patani Agenda Group: A Failure from Inception
The contest for the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections has unmistakably commenced, led by those who have persistently contested and been repeatedly rejected by the people of the constituency over the years. Their instrument, the “Patani Agenda Group for 2027,” an errand group that has embraced propaganda as its watchword, has been making futile efforts by hurling insults at the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu on social media, much to the dismay of discerning constituents.
These elements are seeking external influence from higher political authorities beyond the constituency to REMOVE the lawmaker, rather than through the ELECTORAL process. The Patani Agenda Group’s rants on social media, rife with falsehoods and misinformation, is an endeavour already doomed from the outset.
Now, the moment has arrived when these very individuals, who have persistently challenged the incumbent and consistently failed, have embarked on a campaign fraught with character assassination, insults and provocation. These tactics are the chosen instruments of the self-proclaimed Patani Agenda Group 2027 and their sponsors, a clear indication of failure even before the actual contest begins.
It is on record that Hon. Basil Ganagana, a five-time contender for the same seat and leader of the Delta Unity Group (DUG) in Patani LGA—a campaign organization that canvassed support for Dr. David Edevbie against Gov Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2023 Governorship elections—is a prominent patron of the Patani Agenda Group, who is poised to vie for the sixth time. Dr. Chris Ekiyor, who previously contested against Mutu and rallied support for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege against Gov Oborevwori in the 2023 elections, is similarly a benefactor of the movement. Another aspirant for the Bomadi/Patani seat in 2027, Dr. Louis Otuisi, a nephew of former Deputy Governor Dr. Kingsley Otuaro, who likewise campaigned for Dr. Otuaro against Gov. Oborevwori in the 2023 general elections, also sponsors the agenda. Nonetheless, Mutu unwaveringly supported and worked towards Gov. Oborevwori’s victory at the polls.
These same individuals are now looking for an avenue to influence Gov. Oborevwori into the politics of Bomadi/Patani. They have resorted to making efforts to persuade the governor and prominent government officials to prevent Mutu from contesting, which is utterly absurd and laughable. Governor Oborevwori, a sagacious leader, I trust, will not succumb to any of their antics, a scenario that is indeed the irony of the moment.
Furthermore, financing media outlets to disseminate falsehood and slander, and the engagement in a campaign of calumny against the incumbent are signs that the Patani Agenda Group and their sponsors have nothing to offer the people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency. These Patani serial contestants, having contested against the incumbent lawmaker in several occasions and been rejected by the people, should realize that their current voyage is best described as self-deception, as the people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency will not be swayed by their uncultured politics.
Regarding Mutu, I must assert unequivocally that his popularity, charisma, performance, philanthropy and goodwill have been thoroughly proven, thus earning him the enduring support and acceptance of the Bomadi/Patani constituents at the polls over the years.
