By Jesse Ese
National News – Youth groups in Delta State’s Isoko Nation have threatened to withdraw support for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, citing what they described as years of neglect and marginalisation by the Federal Government.
In an open letter addressed to President , the Isoko EX-Agitators Forum Third Phase (PAP), in collaboration with the Isoko Youth Progressive Movement, expressed dissatisfaction over the perceived exclusion of Isoko people from key federal appointments and development initiatives.
The letter was signed by APC chieftain and former Niger Delta Ex-agitator, self-styled General Lucky Jonah, on behalf of leaders of various Isoko group after series of meetings in Asaba, Oleh, Ozoro, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The groups noted that despite Isoko Nation’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy through its abundant oil and gas resources, the area continues to grapple with underdevelopment, unemployment, environmental degradation, and inadequate infrastructure.
According to the letter, oil was first discovered in Uzere, Isoko South Local Government Area, in 1958, yet the region has allegedly received little benefit from decades of petroleum exploration.
The youths lamented the absence of federal presence in critical sectors, including roads, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment programmes. They also accused the Federal Government of sidelining qualified Isoko indigenes in appointments to strategic agencies linked to the oil and gas industry.
Among the agencies listed were the South-South Development Commission, the Ministry of Regional Development, and the Rural Electrification Agency.
The groups urged the President to address what they described as a long-standing imbalance by ensuring fair representation of Isoko people in federal appointments, accelerating infrastructural development, tackling environmental challenges caused by oil exploration, and creating employment opportunities for youths.
While reaffirming their commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress, the groups warned that continued neglect could fuel growing frustration among young people in the area ahead of the 2027 elections.
They called on the Tinubu administration to demonstrate its commitment to justice, inclusion, and equitable development by taking urgent steps to address the concerns of the Isoko Nation.
