Edo Youths Disrupt Deputy Speaker’s Campaign, Reject ‘Unfulfilled Promises’

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Tension flared in Edo State on Friday after a campaign rally organised by Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Osamwonyi Atu, was disrupted by aggrieved youths in his constituency.

The lawmaker, who represents Orhionmwon East, had arrived in Abudu, the administrative headquarters of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, to officially flag off his re-election campaign when the situation took a dramatic turn.

Eyewitnesses said the event descended into chaos shortly after Atu’s arrival, as hundreds of youths stormed major roads across the town, halting activities and openly rejecting the campaign. The protesters, who identified themselves as Concerned Orhionmwon East Youths, voiced strong dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s performance since his election in 2023.

Carrying placards with bold inscriptions and chanting protest slogans, the demonstrators accused Atu of failing to deliver on key campaign promises. Central to their grievances was the prolonged electricity challenge in the area, which they claimed has persisted for over 15 years without meaningful intervention.

The youths also decried the state of infrastructure in the constituency, particularly pointing to an allegedly abandoned comprehensive school project. According to them, the incomplete project stands as a symbol of neglect and broken promises, further deepening frustration among residents.

The protest created a tense and uncertain atmosphere in Abudu, as movement was restricted in several parts of the town. Commercial activities were temporarily disrupted, while residents watched cautiously as security operatives were deployed to strategic locations to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.

In response to the protest, Atu dismissed the allegations leveled against him, insisting that the demonstration was not a genuine expression of public discontent. Instead, he attributed the unrest to opposition from individuals displeased with recent legislative actions taken by the Assembly.

According to the Deputy Speaker, the protest was largely driven by backlash against the state’s anti-cultism law, which he strongly supports. He maintained that the legislation is in the best interest of the community and would not be reversed despite opposition.

“Those protesting are pained by the anti-cultism law. The law has come to stay,” Atu stated, reaffirming his stance on tackling cult-related activities in the constituency.

Also reacting, the Coordinator of the Osamwonyi Atu Campaign Organisation, Martins Ozakpolor, alleged that the disruption was politically orchestrated. He claimed that rival political interests were behind the protest, aiming to discredit the Deputy Speaker ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Ozakpolor further defended Atu’s performance, insisting that the lawmaker has made tangible contributions to the development of Orhionmwon East. He specifically cited the construction of a comprehensive school as evidence of progress, contradicting claims by the protesting youths that the project had been abandoned.

Despite the disruption, the campaign team downplayed the impact of the protest on Atu’s political outing. Ozakpolor noted that the visit recorded some positive engagements, including a reception by members of the Abudu Elders Council, who reportedly offered prayers in support of the Deputy Speaker’s re-election bid.

The incident underscores growing political tension in parts of Edo State as campaigns intensify ahead of upcoming elections, with constituents increasingly demanding accountability and visible development from elected representatives.