The Delta Unity Alliance (DUA) warmly congratulates Chief Ese Gam Owe on his re-election as the President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and extends its felicitations to all newly elected Executive members of the union who emerged from the 2025 National Congress.
Chief Ese Gam Owe secured a decisive victory, polling 432 votes, while his challenger, Chief Simeon Ohwofa, recorded 178 votes in what observers and stakeholders described as a peaceful, orderly, and transparent electoral process held at the historic Urhobo House, Uvwiamuge, Agbarho.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Delta Unity Alliance described the UPU election as a shining example of democratic maturity, institutional discipline, and credible community leadership, noting that the absence of violence, confusion, or delayed results distinguished the process from many contested elections in the country.
“At a time when elections across different levels of governance are often clouded by logistics failures, mistrust, and unnecessary tension, the UPU has demonstrated that credible and transparent elections are still possible in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The Alliance therefore called on electoral bodies at all levels to critically understudy the UPU election framework, particularly in the areas of transparent delegate accreditation, calm voting procedures, efficient result collation, and prompt public declaration of outcomes.
“If a socio-cultural institution like the UPU can successfully organize a credible national election with minimal controversy, then Nigeria’s electoral bodies should not only meet but exceed this standard in future general elections,” the statement added.
While congratulating Chief Ese Gam Owe on his victory, the DUA also commended Chief Simeon Ohwofa for his sportsmanship, resilience, and deep commitment to the Urhobo cause, noting that democracy is strengthened when competition is peaceful and outcomes are respected.
As the new tenure begins, the Alliance urged the re-elected President-General to prioritize unity, inclusive leadership, youth engagement, cultural revival, and visible development advocacy, in order to translate his renewed mandate into measurable progress for the Urhobo people both at home and in the diaspora.
“Democracy grows stronger when credibility leads the process. The UPU has raised the bar. Other electoral bodies must now rise to meet it,” the statement concluded.
E-SIGNED:
*Barrister Timothy Emeje, PhD
Initiator & Chairman, BoT
*Mr. Solomon Ebinum
Executive Assistant (Political) / DG
For
Delta Unity Alliance (DUA)
