Egbema’s 2027 Political Future Hinges on Unity, Strategic Alliances — Youth Forum Tells House of Assembly Aspirants
Calls for Collective Leadership to End Marginalisation and Secure Quality Representation in Delta and Edo States
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Published by Global Egberi Media International Ltd
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the Egbema Youth Political Forum (EGYPF) has issued a passionate call for unity among all Egbema sons and daughters aspiring to represent the kingdom in the Delta State House of Assembly and the Edo State House of Assembly, describing collective political action as the only pathway to sustainable representation and accelerated development.
The appeal was contained in a strongly worded statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Forum, Barr. Ebigbagha Baidi, and its Spokesman, Barr. Ebiterigha D. Ejemi, who maintained that the destiny of Egbema Kingdom cannot be entrusted to individual ambition but must be driven by a shared commitment to the collective interest of the people.
According to the Forum, Egbema Kingdom occupies a strategic political position spanning Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State and Ovia South-West and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas of Edo State. This unique geographical spread, it noted, presents enormous electoral opportunities that can only be maximized through political cohesion, purposeful engagement, and effective collaboration among stakeholders.
The Forum applauded every House of Assembly aspirant from Egbema Kingdom for demonstrating courage and commitment to public service despite the enormous sacrifices associated with seeking elective office. It acknowledged the financial investments, extensive grassroots consultations, participation in party activities, mobilization efforts, and involvement in party primaries undertaken by the various aspirants.
Rather than allowing these efforts to breed division, the Forum urged political leaders to transform healthy competition into a platform for building stronger relationships capable of advancing the kingdom’s long-term political aspirations.
Barr. Ebigbagha stressed that while political contests are inevitable in a democratic society, they should never become instruments for weakening the unity of the Egbema people.
“The time has come for all Egbema political aspirants to build confidence among themselves, strengthen their relationships, and pursue a common vision for the progress of our kingdom. Political competition should never destroy our unity. After every primary election comes the larger battle of the general election, and that battle can only be won through solidarity and collective action,” he stated.
He explained that the primary objective of the Egbema Youth Political Forum is to ensure that competent sons and daughters of the kingdom emerge victorious and occupy seats in both the Delta State House of Assembly and the Edo State House of Assembly after the 2027 elections.
The Forum further advised all political actors to remain strategic, patient, and focused, noting that electoral victory depends not only on popularity but also on careful planning, broad-based acceptance, effective negotiation, strategic alliances, and sustained grassroots mobilization.
Speaking specifically on the political realities in Edo State, Barr. Ebigbagha expressed concern over what he described as the prolonged marginalisation of Egbema Kingdom. He attributed the situation to ethnic discrimination, internal disunity, selfish political interests, and the inability of some stakeholders to place the kingdom’s collective aspirations above personal considerations.
“For decades, Egbema people in Edo State have remained politically marginalized. We cannot continue to mobilize votes for others while our own sons and daughters are denied opportunities to represent us. This trend must come to an end,” he declared.
He therefore called on traditional rulers, political leaders, youth organizations, women groups, professionals, community development bodies, and other critical stakeholders to close ranks and pursue a unified political agenda capable of strengthening Egbema’s bargaining power across party lines.
The Forum also cautioned aspirants against unnecessary rivalry, divisive politics, personal attacks, and actions capable of undermining the collective political interest of the kingdom, emphasizing that successful political engagement requires a clear understanding of party structures, voting patterns, coalition-building, and strategic electoral calculations.
Reaffirming its commitment to the political advancement of Egbema Kingdom, the EGYPF disclosed that it would support any aspirant who emerges through a transparent, credible, and democratic process as the candidate of his or her political party and, where possible, enjoys broad acceptance as the consensus choice of the kingdom.
The Forum further pledged its readiness to engage political parties, negotiate with other ethnic nationalities, and build strategic partnerships aimed at improving the electoral fortunes of Egbema candidates in the 2027 polls.
“Our position is clear. Whoever emerges as the consensus candidate of any political party and enjoys the confidence of the people will receive the support of the Egbema Youth Political Forum. We are prepared to work with all stakeholders and negotiate with other ethnic nationalities where necessary to secure victory for Egbema Kingdom,” Barr. Ebigbagha affirmed.
He concluded by appealing to all aspirants to sustain regular dialogue with one another, respect democratic outcomes, and continue to see themselves as members of one united Egbema family regardless of political affiliation.
According to him, while political offices are temporary, the unity, peace, prosperity, and future of Egbema Kingdom remain enduring responsibilities that every son and daughter must consciously protect.
The Forum described the 2027 general elections as a defining moment in the political history of Egbema Kingdom and urged all stakeholders to seize the opportunity to reposition the kingdom for greater relevance in both Delta and Edo States through unity, purposeful leadership, and quality representation capable of attracting sustainable development for present and future generations.
