WARRI/Nigeria: The National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has pledged to pursue the revival of Warri Port and Koko Port, as well as the proposed Escravos Free Trade Zone, as part of his plans to reposition the area for economic growth and job creation.
Mulade made the pledge during a royal visit to the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Kingsley Emakpor Orereh, Ataneru, Igbi II, where he formally presented his political ambition and sought the monarch’s blessing. The traditional ruler, in turn, urged him and other politicians to pursue their ambitions peacefully, shun vote-buying and remain accountable to the people if elected.
The candidate said his aspiration to represent Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives was driven by the need for stronger legislative advocacy and greater federal attention to the economic potential and developmental challenges of the area.
He identified the revival of Warri Port and Koko Port, together with the proposed Escravos Free Trade Zone, as critical to unlocking the constituency’s maritime and industrial opportunities.
According to Mulade, restoring the ports to effective operation would attract investment, stimulate commercial activities and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women. He also argued that the proposed free trade zone could encourage industrial expansion and strengthen the area’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
He maintained that Warri Federal Constituency possesses significant oil and gas resources, maritime opportunities and strategic geographical advantages, but has yet to fully translate these assets into sustainable economic benefits for its people.
Mulade said he would use his position, if elected, to advocate policies and infrastructure investments capable of making the constituency a stronger maritime and industrial centre. He also pledged to work with relevant government institutions and stakeholders to attract development projects and ensure that the interests of residents receive adequate attention at the National Assembly.
The NDP candidate expressed appreciation to the Agbarha-Warri monarch for receiving him, describing engagement with traditional institutions as an important part of his consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responding, the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom urged Mulade and other political aspirants to ensure that their campaigns did not threaten the peace and unity of their communities.
The monarch stressed that political differences should not divide the people, noting that residents would remain one family regardless of party affiliation or the outcome of the elections.
He also reminded Mulade that seeking public office comes with the responsibility to serve, urging him to fulfil his promises if elected and demonstrate sincerity, accountability and commitment to the welfare of the people.
The traditional ruler particularly condemned vote-buying, calling on politicians to desist from offering money or other material inducements to voters. He maintained that citizens should be allowed to make independent electoral choices based on the competence and credibility of candidates.
The monarch subsequently offered prayers for Mulade, seeking divine protection, wisdom and success in his political aspiration.
In his response, Mulade thanked the monarch for his prayers and counsel, assuring him that his campaign would be peaceful, issue-based and focused on the development needs of Warri Federal Constituency.
He further pledged to remain accountable to the electorate and pursue his proposed development agenda if given the mandate in 2027.
The visit forms part of Mulade’s consultations with traditional rulers and other community stakeholders as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
