Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South Senatorial District, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Isoko Nation Sto fully embrace new defectors without hesitation or internal resistance.
Speaking during a high-level meeting of party stakeholders on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the country home of Chief Lucky Esigie in Olomoro, the senator stressed that all party members must align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for seamless integration and collective growth.
Joel-Onowakpo, who remains a staunch supporter of President Tinubu, reminded party leaders that the President has made it clear: the APC must be a welcoming home for all, with no barriers to unity or support. According to him, the success of the APC at the national and state levels demands openness, cooperation, and grassroots consolidation.
The senator declared that after years of struggling to take over Delta State from the opposition, the APC has finally become the ruling party, a historic breakthrough that must be protected by unity and strategic inclusion.
“Today, our prayers have been answered. We are now the ruling party in Delta State. This is the reality, and everyone must accept it,” Joel-Onowakpo said, emphasizing that internal divisions must give way to loyalty and collaboration.
He assured attendees that Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori is fully committed to uniting the APC family across the state. Despite political diversity in the past, the governor now serves as the uncontested leader of the party in Delta and is focused on a united front that carries everyone along.
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“Our Governor is the leader of the party in the state, and this is incontestable. He is committed to the unity of the party and will carry everyone along,” the senator stated confidently.
Joel-Onowakpo further cautioned against drawing lines between old and new members, stating that every party loyalist, whether a founding member or recent defector, deserves equal recognition and opportunity. “There should be no distinction between old and new members; everyone is equal. Whether you joined the party at its inception or just recently, your status is the same,” he reiterated.
He also encouraged party members to consolidate their influence at the ward level, describing it as the true battleground of political relevance and strength. “The ward is where your power is tested. Build from there, and the rest will follow,” he advised.
The meeting, which drew heavyweights from across Isoko Nation, included Chief Lucky Esigie, Leader of APC in Isoko; Hon. Lucky Okperi; Deacon Isaac Osiobe; Suvr Peter Akarogbe, APC Secretary Delta State; Hon. Benjamin Ogbalor; High Chief Omoyibo Daniel; Supol Omo-Oyeke; Vincent Egbogbo, APC Chairman Isoko South; Barr. Emebuno Daniel, APC Chairman Isoko North; Hon. William Omoviro; High Chief Edhekpo Uyoyou; Dr. Andrew Egunoma; Prince Benson; and Barr. Jim Elueni, among others.
