2027: NDP Candidate Mulade Engages Ijaw Publishers Forum, Unveils Agenda for Warri Federal Constituency

By Ezekiel Kagbala

The National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for the Warri Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Comrade Mulade Blessing Sheriff, has commenced consultations with critical stakeholders, declaring his commitment to securing quality, independent and people-oriented representation for the constituency.

Mulade, a Delta State-born environmental rights activist and United Nations Peace Ambassador, made the declaration when he hosted members of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) in Warri during the weekend as part of his ongoing stakeholder engagements ahead of the 2027 elections.

The candidate, who is also the Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, said his decision to contest the election was driven by the need to provide a new direction for the constituency and ensure that the interests of its diverse communities are effectively represented at the National Assembly.

Speaking during the engagement, Mulade said he remained committed to promoting peace, unity, equity and inclusive development among the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo peoples that make up the Warri Federal Constituency.

He described the Ijaw Publishers Forum as an important platform for advancing the interests of the Ijaw people and said his engagement with the forum was part of his broader strategy of bringing critical stakeholders into his political project.

“IPF has come to stay in the interest of the Ijaw people. I consider it important to formally inform the forum that I am running for the Warri Federal Constituency seat under the platform of the National Democratic Party,” Mulade said.

He expressed appreciation to members of the forum for their support for his advocacy over the years, urging them to sustain the relationship as the political process gathers momentum.

“We are in the political arena, and there will be a lot of engagements. I appeal to you to continue to stand with me,” he said.

Mulade also promised that, if elected, his administration would create opportunities for broad stakeholder participation, including a special consideration for the IPF in matters relating to communication, advocacy and issues affecting the constituency.

He said his representation would prioritise issues affecting the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities, stressing that peaceful coexistence among the three ethnic groups remained fundamental to the development of Warri Federal Constituency.

According to him, the constituency occupies a strategic position in Nigeria's economic architecture, citing the presence of major maritime and oil-related assets, including the Warri Port, Koko Port and Escravos Terminal operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited.

He argued that the strategic importance of the area places a greater responsibility on its representatives to ensure that the voices and interests of the people are adequately projected at the federal level.

“We are critical stakeholders that the Federal Government cannot do without. As such, our voices must be heard,” he said.

The NDP candidate said his ongoing consultations were aimed at bringing together political, traditional, professional, youth, community and media stakeholders to build a broad-based platform for development.

Mulade described himself as a grassroots politician with a deep understanding of the constituency, insisting that he was not entering the race to make unrealistic promises.

“I am engaging critical stakeholders to bring everybody onboard. I am not a serial politician who will promise things that cannot be achieved.

 The Warri Federal Constituency is a terrain I am well familiar with, and the time has come for us to take over and offer a new breath,” he said.

He further emphasised that his candidacy was not sponsored by any individual or political interest group, describing himself as an independent-minded candidate whose primary concern was the welfare and development of the people.

“My interest is for the people. I am not a sponsored candidate. I am an independent candidate with the interest of the people of the Warri Federal Constituency,” Mulade declared.

Earlier, the President of the Ijaw Publishers Forum, Comrade Ozobo Austin, who led members of the forum's executive, appreciated Mulade for recognising the organisation and engaging its leadership as part of his stakeholder consultations.

Austin and other members of the executive acknowledged Mulade's longstanding advocacy for environmental justice, peace and development in the Niger Delta, stressing the importance of constructive engagement among stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.

The meeting formed part of Mulade's wider consultations with stakeholders across the Warri Federal Constituency as he seeks to build support for his NDP candidacy and advance what he described as a new model of independent, inclusive and people-centred representation.