Warri Federal Constituency 2027: Mulade Raises Hope for Better Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw Representation at Campaign Flag-Off

 

By Wilson Macaulay

WARRI, 

 Hope for a new era of inclusive, effective and people-oriented representation in Warri Federal Constituency received a major boost on Thursday as the National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for the constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, Chief Sheriff Mulade (Ph.D.), formally flagged off his campaign in Warri.

The campaign flag-off, which attracted political leaders, stakeholders and supporters from the three major ethnic groups in the constituency — Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw — was characterised by cultural displays, solidarity and calls for unity as the people prepare for the 2027 general elections.

The colourful event at the Unity Arena in Warri brought together supporters and political associates of Mulade, with cultural dance groups from the various ethnic communities performing to welcome the NDP candidate and his entourage.

The gathering was seen by supporters as a demonstration of the possibility of a united political front among the diverse communities of Warri Federal Constituency in pursuit of common developmental goals.

Addressing the gathering, Mulade said his aspiration to represent the constituency at the National Assembly was not driven merely by the desire to occupy political office, but by a determination to provide effective representation and attract the attention of the Federal Government to the needs of the people.

He promised to deploy his experience in humanitarian activities, environmental advocacy, peacebuilding and community development to advance the interests of the constituency at the National Assembly.

Mulade pledged to pursue policies and programmes capable of stimulating economic opportunities, youth empowerment, employment generation and sustainable development across the constituency.

The NDP candidate, who is also known as the Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient Oil-Rich Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, said the 2027 election should be about capacity, competence, integrity and the ability of candidates to deliver tangible results to their constituents.

According to him, Warri Federal Constituency has made enormous contributions to Nigeria's economic development but has not received the level of federal attention and intervention required to match its strategic importance.

He said the time had come for the constituency to demand purposeful representation capable of articulating its interests and attracting meaningful federal projects and interventions.

Mulade said: “Warri Federal Constituency has been deprived of meaningful development, empowerment and federal government attention due to lack of quality representation, in spite of the huge economic contribution of the constituency to the nation's wealth.

“If elected in 2027 into the House of Representatives, Warri City and its environs would be given the deserved special attention through constructive advocacy and engagement with all relevant stakeholders.

“As the voice for the voiceless, I assure you that the voice of Warri people will be heard constructively.”

He stressed that his representation would be inclusive, assuring the Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw communities that their interests would receive equal attention.

Mulade also called for unity among the people, noting that the cultural and ethnic diversity of Warri Federal Constituency should be transformed into a strength for collective development rather than a source of division.

He said his vision was to build bridges across ethnic and political boundaries while working with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, women groups, professionals and other stakeholders to advance the constituency.

The campaign flag-off also witnessed the declaration of political ambitions by other NDP candidates.

Hon. Nathan Esiri Osume declared his intention to contest for the Delta Central Senatorial District seat in the Senate, while Hon. Kingsley Abugewa announced his ambition to contest for the Okpe/Sapele Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

Supporters of Mulade described his political aspiration as an extension of his longstanding humanitarian and community activities.

They pointed to his record of philanthropy, environmental advocacy and community engagement, arguing that he had consistently demonstrated concern for the welfare of ordinary people, particularly the less privileged.

An environmental artist and community advocate, Mulade has built a public profile around environmental protection, human dignity, peacebuilding and social development.

His activities, according to his supporters, have taken him across ethnic and community boundaries, allowing him to interact with people from different backgrounds and contribute to various humanitarian and community initiatives.

His role as National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Justice (CEPEJ) has also placed him within the advocacy space for peaceful coexistence, justice, human rights and community development.

As the 2027 election approaches, the Warri Federal Constituency contest is expected to generate significant political interest, given the strategic importance of the area and the developmental, environmental and economic challenges confronting its people.

For Mulade, however, the commencement of the campaign marks the beginning of an effort to translate years of advocacy and humanitarian activities into effective legislative representation.

His supporters believe his antecedents, grassroots engagement and message of inclusive representation will convince voters across the constituency.

Today, the message from Mulade's campaign is clear: hope for better representation, unity among the Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw, and a renewed push for development and federal attention for Warri Federal Constituency.