As political realignments gradually take shape ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, a prominent Itsekiri socio-political group has called for a strategic alliance among ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, signaling a shift toward cooperation over rivalry in the region.
The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition has urged Itsekiri communities across Delta and Edo states to close ranks and present a united political front, warning that continued fragmentation could further weaken their influence in key electoral contests.
Speaking during a media briefing, the group’s National Coordinator, Prince Collins Edema, said the political challenges facing the Itsekiri people since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 are rooted in structural and systemic issues. These, he noted, include contentious ward delineations, minority positioning in several local government areas, and recurring disputes over electoral arrangements, particularly in the Warri axis.
According to Edema, despite the widespread presence of Itsekiri communities beyond their traditional stronghold in Warri, their political strength has been diluted by the absence of coordinated engagement across Delta Central, Delta South, and parts of Edo State.
“Our people are spread across multiple local governments where we exist as minorities,” he said. “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.”
Push for Broader Regional Alliance
In a notable shift from historical tensions, the coalition also extended an olive branch to neighboring ethnic groups, particularly the Urhobo and Ijaw, advocating for a pragmatic alliance based on shared interests.
The group emphasized that long-standing rivalries have often hindered collective progress in the Niger Delta and argued that collaboration could unlock greater political leverage and developmental gains for all parties.
“We have more in common with the Urhobo and Ijaw than what divides us,” Edema stated. “It is time to move away from suspicion and rivalry and embrace fairness, mutual respect, and genuine brotherhood.”
Observers say the call reflects growing recognition among minority ethnic groups that coalition-building may be essential in navigating Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape, where numbers and alliances often determine outcomes.
2027 Calculations Begin
While reaffirming its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of 2027, the coalition said consultations are ongoing regarding endorsements for key legislative positions.
It pledged to support candidates who demonstrate commitment to unity and the broader interests of the Itsekiri people, signaling a potentially decisive role in shaping electoral outcomes in parts of Delta and Edo states.
Political analysts note that if successful, the proposed Itsekiri-Urhobo-Ijaw alliance could recalibrate power dynamics in the oil-rich Niger Delta, where ethnic balancing and grassroots mobilization remain critical factors in electoral success.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, the coalition’s call may mark the beginning of a new phase of inter-ethnic engagement—one driven less by competition and more by strategic cooperation.