Hundreds of youths on Friday disrupted the re-election campaign of Edo State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Osamwonyi Atu, over alleged failure to fulfil campaign promises.
The lawmaker, who represents Orhionmwon East Constituency, had visited Abudu, the headquarters of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, to launch his campaign when he was met with strong opposition from protesting youths who took over major streets in the town.
Operating under the banner of Concerned Orhionmwon East Youths, the protesters insisted that Atu must first deliver on promises made during the 2023 elections before seeking another term.
They accused him of neglecting key issues affecting the constituency, including a long-standing power outage reportedly lasting over 15 years and the incomplete construction of a comprehensive school.
In response, Atu dismissed the allegations, claiming the protest was driven by individuals unhappy with the state’s recently enacted anti-cultism law.
“Those protesting are reacting to the anti-cultism law. The law is here to stay,” he said.
Meanwhile, the coordinator of his campaign organisation, Martins Ozakpolor, alleged that the protest was sponsored by a rival aspirant attempting to undermine the deputy speaker.
He maintained that Atu has fulfilled major campaign promises, including the development of a comprehensive school in the area.
Ozakpolor added that the lawmaker also met with members of the Abudu Elders Council, who offered prayers in support of his re-election bid.