APC Vanguard Backs Mutu, Warns Against ‘Undemocratic’ Exclusion from Primaries

"Mutu, who has represented the constituency since 1999, has consistently emerged through competitive primaries and general elections, defeating multiple challengers over the years. It noted that his political track record demonstrates a history of submitting himself to the will of party members and voters." Says Patani APC Vanguard.

A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, the Patani APC Vanguard, has called on the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, to ensure that a level playing field is maintained ahead of the party’s primary elections in the Patani/Bomadi Federal Constituency.

In a letter dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to the APC national leadership, the group insisted that Nicholas Ebomo Mutu must be allowed to participate in the primaries, stressing that denying him the opportunity would amount to a violation of his constitutional rights.

The group criticized unnamed aspirants for allegedly attempting to bypass democratic processes through protests and media campaigns rather than facing the electorate in a free and fair contest. It described such actions as a “display of ignorance about democratic norms.”

According to the Vanguard, Mutu, who has represented the constituency since 1999, has consistently emerged through competitive primaries and general elections, defeating multiple challengers over the years. It noted that his political track record demonstrates a history of submitting himself to the will of party members and voters.

The group further argued that there is no constitutional provision limiting the tenure of legislators in Nigeria, emphasizing that elective positions are neither by appointment nor entitlement. “Any attempt to use intimidation, threat or subterfuge to deny him his constitutional right to contest should be resisted,” the letter stated.

Highlighting his performance, the group credited Mutu with attracting several development projects across Patani and Bomadi, including road construction, electrification schemes, solar-powered infrastructure, and skills acquisition centres.

While reaffirming support for Mutu’s aspiration, the Vanguard maintained that all aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity at the polls. “Let everyone interested go before the electorates,” the group said, adding that it would abide by the outcome of a credible primary process.

The group urged the APC leadership to uphold internal democracy and constitutional order, warning that excluding any aspirant—particularly Mutu—could undermine the credibility of the party’s selection process in the constituency.