2027: Okpe Union Sets Conditions for Backing Tinubu, Oborevwori, Others; Warns Against Blind Political Loyalty
As Nigeria gradually approaches the decisive 2027 general elections, the influential socio-cultural body representing the Okpe people, Okpe Union Worldwide, has issued a strong political directive to its members, declaring that it will only support candidates who align with the 14-Point Okpe Nation Agenda.
The Union made this position known on Tuesday through a statement issued by its National Executive Council (NEC), emphasizing that decades of unconditional political loyalty have contributed significantly to the persistent underdevelopment of Okpe Kingdom.
The statement, jointly signed by the President General of the Union, Prof. Igho Natufe, and the National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Victor Oruno, warned that the era of blind support for political parties must come to an end if the Okpe nation hopes to experience meaningful growth and development.
According to the Union, the people of Okpe must begin to evaluate political candidates based on competence, vision, and commitment to the interests of Okpe Kingdom rather than party loyalty or short-term inducements.
End to Blind Political Loyalty
In a strongly worded message to Okpe nationals across Nigeria and in the diaspora, the Union lamented that since the return to democratic rule in Nigeria Fourth Republic, blind political allegiance has failed to deliver tangible development to Okpe communities.
The statement read in part:
“Growth and development will continue to elude Okpe Kingdom unless our people stop blind support for political parties and candidates. We call on all Okpe nationals to vote only for candidates who subscribe to the 14 Points Okpe Nation Agenda. Blind support for political parties since 1999 has failed Okpe Nation in all indices of growth and development.”
The Union stressed that political loyalty without accountability has enabled politicians to neglect the region’s developmental needs while continuing to exploit the people’s votes during election seasons.
2027 Elections: Okpe Union Sets New Standard
As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 Nigerian General Election, the Union declared that it would only endorse candidates seeking offices such as President, Vice President, Governor, National Assembly, and State Assembly if they demonstrate commitment to implementing the Okpe Nation Agenda.
This directive could significantly influence political dynamics in Delta State, particularly in areas dominated by the Okpe ethnic nationality, including Sapele and surrounding communities.
Political observers note that such a unified stance by the Okpe Union could shape electoral outcomes by consolidating the voting power of Okpe people around candidates who align with their developmental aspirations.
Warning Against Vote Buying
The Union also warned Okpe nationals to resist common election-season tactics used by politicians to manipulate voters.
It cautioned that as the election season draws closer, politicians would likely flood communities with gifts such as rice, beans, wrappers, and other materials in exchange for votes.
However, the Union urged citizens to remain vigilant and politically conscious.
“This is an opportunity for critically minded Okpe nationals to assess all prospective candidates for the presidency, vice presidency, governorship, the National Assembly, and the State Assembly before casting their votes in 2027,” the statement said.
According to the Union, political evaluation should be based not on party affiliations but on the individual candidate’s capacity, credibility, and commitment to Okpe development.
Call for Mass Voter Registration
In addition to political awareness, the Union encouraged all Okpe nationals who are eligible to vote to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The NEC emphasized that active participation in the electoral process is necessary if the Okpe nation is to reclaim its political voice and influence in Nigeria.
“It is time to reclaim Okpe Nation for the growth and development of Okpe land,” the Union declared.
Core Pillars of the Okpe Nation Agenda
The Union highlighted several critical priorities contained in the 14-Point Okpe Nation Agenda, which it described as a roadmap for cultural preservation and socio-economic advancement.
Among the key objectives are:
- Strengthening and sustaining Okpe identity as a distinct ethnic nationality
- Addressing the growing threat of extinction facing the Okpe language
- Introducing Okpe language teaching in all primary and secondary schools within Okpe communities
- Restoring Okpe-language news broadcasts on state-owned radio and television stations
- Establishing postgraduate scholarship funds for Okpe students
- Allocating 10 percent of funds received from oil companies by local governments into an Okpe scholarship scheme
- Creating a Board of Trustees to manage scholarship funds for Okpe youths
These initiatives, according to the Union, are crucial to preserving cultural heritage while empowering the next generation through education.
Developmental Demands for Okpe Land
Beyond cultural preservation, the Union also outlined several infrastructural and economic initiatives aimed at accelerating development across Okpe communities.
These include:
- Conversion of Sapele Technical College into a polytechnic institution
- Greater participation of Okpe people in state and national politics
- Regular engagement between elected Okpe leaders and their constituents
- Establishment of an Okpe Leaders Forum or Council of Elders
- Economic empowerment programs targeted at Okpe women
- Creation of an Okpe Monitoring Board to track development initiatives
- Twinning Okpe towns with major cities in Europe and North America to attract foreign investment
According to the Union, these proposals are designed to transform Okpe land into a hub of educational excellence, economic development, and global partnerships.
Historical Roots of the Agenda
The Okpe Nation Agenda, the Union explained, originated from the historic Okpe World Conference 2006, which took place in Sapele between November 17 and 19, 2006.
The conference, organized by Okpe Voice, marked a turning point in the cultural renaissance of the Okpe people and reaffirmed their status as a distinct ethnic nationality.
The agenda was later endorsed by the revered monarch of the kingdom, HRM Orhue I, along with palace chiefs and leaders of Okpe organizations across Nigeria and the diaspora.
A New Political Consciousness
Political analysts say the Union’s latest declaration signals a growing wave of political consciousness among ethnic nationalities seeking more accountable governance.
For the Okpe people, the message appears clear: the 2027 elections must represent not just another political cycle but a decisive moment for reclaiming the future of Okpe land.
By insisting on policy commitments rather than political promises, the Okpe Union hopes to usher in a new era where leadership translates into measurable development for the people.
Author:
Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
🌍 Website: https://globalegberi.com.ng/wp
📧 Email: globalegberimedia@gmail.com
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Source: Okpe Union NEC Statement
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Tags: Okpe Union, Okpe Nation Agenda, 2027 Elections Nigeria, Delta State Politics, Okpe Kingdom, Nigerian Politics, Sapele News, Political Development Nigeria
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The agenda is quite interesting.
Protect your own
Correct