The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition has called for a united political front among Itsekiri people across Delta and Edo states, stressing that collective action is critical to their political survival and relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group said the political challenges confronting the Itsekiri ethnic nationality since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 have largely stemmed from structural imbalances, including ward delineation, minority status in several local government areas, and contested electoral arrangements in the Warri axis.
Addressing journalists, National Coordinator of the group, Prince Collins Edema, noted that despite the widespread presence of Itsekiri communities beyond Warri, their political strength has been weakened by fragmentation and lack of coordinated engagement across Delta Central, Delta South, and Edo State.
He explained that the coalition was formed to bridge this gap by bringing all Itsekiri communities under one umbrella, ensuring that their collective interests are represented in political negotiations and electoral processes across the affected regions.
Edema said, “Our people are spread across multiple local governments where we exist as minorities. Without a united front, our voices will continue to be drowned. This coalition is about political survival, equity, and ensuring that our presence translates into real representation.”
On inter-ethnic relations, the group extended a hand of fellowship to neighbouring ethnic nationalities, particularly the Urhobo and Ijaw, insisting that cooperation, rather than conflict, would yield better outcomes for all parties involved.
“We want to make it clear that we have more in common with the Urhobo and Ijaw than what divides us. It is time to move away from suspicion and rivalry and embrace fairness, mutual respect, and genuine brotherhood in the interest of sustainable development.”
While reaffirming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of 2027, the coalition maintained that it is still consulting on candidates for key legislative positions, vowing to back individuals who align with the broader interests and unity of the Itsekiri people.
