Ahead of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, a socio-political group in Delta State, the Urhobo Progress Union Worldwide, has resolved to withhold support for candidates who are 70-years-old and above, contesting for any elective position in the state.
The President General of the Urhobo Progress Union Worldwide, Chief Joe Omene and his executives made the position of the group known officially on Wednesday, while hosting the campaign council of the Delta Central senatorial candidate of the Young Progressive Party, Chief Ogheneovo Edewor, who paid a consultative visit to the group at Mosogar, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.
While insisting on youths inclusion in governance, the UPU advised that “any of the candidates who are 70 years and above should go and contest for either presidency or governorship.”
The UPU, which is the apex body of the Urhobo nationality at home and in the Diaspora, specifically pointed out that it “will not support any candidate that is 70 years and above for elective political offices ranging from councilorship, chairmen of local government councils, membership of the state House of Assembly, House of Representatives and the senate.”
Also present at the meeting was the YPP Delta State House of Assembly candidate, Mr. Erisen Edewor, and the Director General of the Campaign Organization, Mr. Harrison Uwhumiakpor, among other party faithfuls.
The UPU president general declared, “It is time for politicians who have been in the system for over 24 years to give way for the younger ones to occupy.
“Those above 70 years should play the role of a godfather and also, they should go and look for appointment at higher levels and allow the younger people to take over political positions of responsibility.
“If those above 70years are still contesting for elective positions, how will the young ones grow? So, it time for old people to give way for the younger ones.
“How will you describe a situation where political parties will sell forms for aspirants at a high rate like five hundred thousand, or one million naira as the case may be, and probably among them are youths who have not been in government before? How do you expect them to get such monies for forms? It is still the same old politicians who have been in position that can afford such amount as the younger ones may not be able to pay for such forms because of the high rates.
“And this is one of the major reasons while UPU is advocating for paradigm shift in the political architecture of Delta Central and at all levels.”
The Director General of the Chief Ogheneovo Edewor Campaign Organization, Mr. Harrison Uwhumiakpor, while speaking at the occasion expressed gratitude to the leadership of the UPU “for the warm reception, commendations and fatherly advice.”
He added, “The message from our elders is clear, it is time for youths to take over.
“As you already know, Chief Ogheneovo Edewor is a youth who has contributed immensely to the growth of the Urhobo nation and Delta Central in general,” he stated.
