Warri Federal 2027: ‘Mulade Is Capable’ — Gbaramatu Monarch Gives Royal Blessing, Backs Seven-Point Agenda

Pere urges politicians, supporters to shun violence, excessive campaign spending

By Ezekiel Kagbala

OPOROZA, Delta State — The Pere of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, JP, Aketekpe Agadagba, has affirmed the capacity of the National Democratic Party candidate for Warri Federal Constituency, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

The monarch spoke on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, when Mulade and leaders of the NDP visited the royal palace in Oporoza, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, as part of the candidate’s consultations ahead of the 2027 general election.
Describing Mulade as a son of the kingdom, the Pere offered prayers and royal blessings for his political journey, while urging him to remain focused on service and development.

The monarch, however, warned politicians and their supporters against turning the 2027 contest into a battle of money, influence or violence.
He specifically appealed to supporters of political candidates to work for their preferred aspirants selflessly rather than subjecting them to excessive financial demands during campaigns.

According to him, elections should be about programmes, ideas and the capacity of candidates to serve, rather than how much money they can spend to secure political support.

“Election is not war. It is an opportunity for the people to choose who they believe can represent them. Nobody should fight or destroy relationships because of politics,” the monarch said.

He urged Mulade’s supporters to concentrate on selling his programmes and development proposals to voters instead of attacking rival candidates.
“Let the people hear what he wants to do. Let them judge him by his plans and his ability. There is no need for insults or violence,” he said.

The Pere also reminded Mulade that political office, if attained, would be a responsibility to the entire constituency and not a reward to individual supporters.
“Do not forget the people who are supporting you today. If you are elected, remember that you are going there to serve the people and not yourself,” he said.
Mulade puts seven-point development plan on table
Against the backdrop of the monarch’s call for issue-based politics, Mulade presented what he described as a seven-point development compact for Warri Federal Constituency.

He identified the revival of the Escravos Free Trade Zone and the development of the proposed Gbaramatu Deep Seaport as key priorities of his legislative agenda if elected in 2027.

Mulade said the two projects could unlock significant economic opportunities for the constituency by attracting investment, creating employment and expanding maritime and industrial activities.

“The Escravos Free Trade Zone must not remain a forgotten project. It has the potential to attract industries, create jobs, expand trade and open new opportunities for our people,” he said.

Turning to the proposed Gbaramatu Deep Seaport, Mulade said its significance should not be restricted to Gbaramatu Kingdom, arguing that the project could have wider economic implications for Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State and Nigeria.
“The Gbaramatu Deep Seaport is not only a Gbaramatu project; it is a Warri Federal Constituency project and a project that can benefit Delta State and Nigeria.

“We must begin to think beyond politics and focus on projects that will create lasting economic value,” he said.
According to him, the constituency possesses strategic waterways, a coastline, oil and gas resources and human capital that could support the development of a stronger maritime and industrial economy.
“We have the waterways, the coastline, the oil and gas resources and the human capital. What we need is purposeful representation that can bring all these advantages together and turn them into development,” Mulade said.

‘We cannot produce Nigeria’s wealth and remain poor’
Mulade, an environmental rights activist, said his proposed agenda was also shaped by his experience engaging with oil-producing communities across the Niger Delta.

He said environmental degradation, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure remained major concerns for communities that contribute significantly to the nation’s economy through oil and gas production.
“We cannot continue to produce the wealth of this nation and remain poor, unemployed and environmentally devastated. Our people deserve roads, jobs, quality education, healthcare, electricity, potable water and a safe environment,” he said.

The candidate said his seven-point development compact would focus on employment creation, infrastructure, environmental protection, education, healthcare, maritime development and improved representation.

He also challenged constituents to scrutinise the programme and hold him accountable for the commitments he was making.

“I want the people to read the document, ask questions and hold me accountable. This is not a secret agenda. It is a public commitment to the people of Warri Federal Constituency,” Mulade said.

Mulade seeks Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo cooperation
Beyond infrastructure and economic development, Mulade called for greater cooperation among the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities within the constituency.
He said the challenges confronting residents were largely shared, irrespective of ethnic background, and should therefore become a basis for cooperation rather than division.

“We may belong to different ethnic groups, but we share the same challenges. Pollution does not know whether a person is Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo. Unemployment does not discriminate. That is why we must unite around development,” he said.

Explaining his decision to begin the latest phase of his traditional consultations in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Mulade said his relationship with the kingdom made it necessary for him to return home to seek the prayers and blessings of the Pere.

“I am a son of this kingdom, and I cannot begin this journey without coming home to seek the blessing and prayers of our father, the Pere,” he said.
NDP chairman pledges party support
Also speaking at the palace, the NDP Delta State Chairman, Hon. Emeka Umerah, said the party settled on Mulade as its candidate based on what he described as his record of public engagement and service.
“Like it’s always said, a good market will always market itself,” Umerah said, while assuring the candidate of the party’s support.

Mulade was accompanied on the visit by Umerah, Chief Okiemute Itemere, Prince Frank Ogunje and other supporters.

The palace engagement forms part of a wider consultation programme expected to take Mulade to communities, traditional institutions and other stakeholders across Warri Federal Constituency as political activities build towards the 2027 general election.