Isoko group demands retraction of Onowakpo's endorsement

The IDN alleged that the IDU President, Professor Chris Akpotu, acted outside his mandate by backing a candidate despite the presence of other contenders from the area.

“The IDU leadership failed the entire Isoko people and breached the IDU constitution when the President endorsed a candidate in an election where there are other worthy sons of Isoko,” the statement read.

The group further criticised the manner in which the endorsement was made, stating that, “it is alien to the Isoko people that a candidate for an election will have the President of Isoko Development Union come to his sitting room to endorse him for an election.”

Raising concerns about impartiality, the IDN questioned whether the IDU would extend similar endorsements to other candidates contesting various positions.

The group also suggested that the action undermined the integrity of the office, adding that it “wasn’t only an abuse of the sacred and esteemed office of the IDU President… but also a clear disrespect for the Isoko people.”

The IDN has called on Prof. Akpotu to convene a meeting of Isoko leaders to explain his actions, apologise to the people, and withdraw the endorsement.

Among its demands, the group urged the IDU President to “apologise to the entire Isoko people and withdraw such endorsement as premature and of no effect,” and to “commit to focus on the development of the interest of the Isoko people.”