New Isoko Group Rejects Joel-Onowakpo Second-Term Endorsement

A new leadership dispute has surfaced within the Isoko nation after the Isoko Development Network (IDN) rejected the recent endorsement of Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for a second term by the President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Chris Akpotu. IDN criticized the move as unilateral, premature, and not reflective of the wider Isoko community’s views.

Speaking for IDN, Mr. Igho Anthony Monina said Akpotu attended a private political gathering in Emede without inviting key stakeholders and used the event to declare support for the senator’s re-election. The group argued that the IDU, as a socio-cultural organization, should remain neutral and avoid partisan involvement.

IDN emphasized that the President-General has a responsibility to represent all Isoko people fairly, regardless of political affiliation. The group also questioned whether similar endorsements would be extended to other candidates, raising concerns about the consistency and fairness of the IDU’s actions.

The network declared the endorsement invalid and urged the IDU to convene a meeting of stakeholders, apologize, and withdraw the support. IDN further called on the union to focus on development projects and advised the public to disregard the partisan move.