Omene Warns Against Political Interference in UPU Election

Former President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Chief Joe Omene, has warned political players to stay away from the union’s December 5 election. He said any attempt to influence the process would harm the UPU and create fresh trouble for the Urhobo nation.

Omene said there are concerns that the Delta State Government could be drawn into the election. He warned that such involvement would leave a permanent mark on the governor and take the UPU backwards. He also criticised the role some traditional rulers played in past elections, claiming they helped fuel division.

He noted that the coming poll must be clean and reflect the will of the people. According to him, the incumbent UPU president has not lived up to expectations, while the challenger, Simeon Owhofa, has not yet been tested. He said only a free and fair vote can show who the Urhobo people truly want.

Omene, who now leads the National President of Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association, said the new group was formed because the UPU had become stagnant. He added that it is not meant to replace the UPU but to support it.