Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition Demands Unified Political Front and Strategic Alliances for 2027 General Elections

The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition calls for a united front and alliances with Urhobo and Ijaw groups to ensure political relevance in the 2027 elections.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 10:13 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from LEADERSHIP

Strategic Mobilization for Ethnic Political Survival

The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition has formally called for a unified political structure among the Itsekiri people spanning Delta and Edo States. This mobilization is framed as a critical necessity for maintaining political relevance as the 2027 general election cycle approaches. National Coordinator Prince Collins Edema emphasized that the collective survival of the nationality depends on bridging the gaps between fragmented communities to ensure their voices are not sidelined in the broader Nigerian political landscape.

Addressing Legacies of Structural Electoral Imbalance

A central focus of the coalition's agenda involves rectifying systemic challenges that have hindered the Itsekiri since the 1999 return to democracy. These issues include unfavorable ward delineation and the complexities of being a minority group within various local government areas, particularly around the Warri axis. By consolidating these disparate groups under a single umbrella, the coalition aims to correct historical disadvantages that have frequently seen their political presence diluted during contested electoral arrangements.

Mitigating the Weakness of Minority Fragmentation

Despite a significant presence in regions beyond Warri, the coalition identifies fragmentation as the primary cause of weakened political bargaining power. Communities across Delta Central, Delta South, and Edo State currently operate without a coordinated engagement strategy. Prince Collins Edema noted that without a united front, the interests of Itsekiri people living as minorities in various local governments will continue to be drowned out, making unity a matter of equity and representation.