2027: Pedro Gets Rousing Welcome At Kokodiagbene, Vows To Unseat Incumbent Ereyitomi
By Chibogwu Uche Kennedy
The 2027 race for Warri Federal Constituency has taken another significant turn as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives candidate, Chief (Dr.) Pedro Tuwayerin Bekenawei, received a rousing homecoming reception at Kokodiagbene Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, on Wednesday.
The gathering attracted supporters, youths, women, community stakeholders, political associates and NDC faithful who converged on the oil-rich riverine community to receive Bekenawei, an indigene of Kokodiagbene and former chairman of the community.
From the waterways leading to Kokodiagbene, boats conveying supporters arrived in the community, creating an atmosphere of excitement and political mobilisation.
Although Bekenawei described the occasion as a thanksgiving and appreciation visit rather than an official campaign rally, the enthusiastic reception demonstrated the growing political interest surrounding his candidacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the gathering, Bekenawei thanked the people of Kokodiagbene and supporters across Warri Federal Constituency for standing firmly behind him, saying their support had given him renewed confidence in the journey ahead.
He declared that his ambition was driven by a genuine desire to provide effective, accessible and accountable representation to the people of the constituency.
“I am here today first and foremost to appreciate my people. I am deeply grateful for the confidence you have reposed in me. This is not just about Pedro Bekenawei; it is about the collective aspiration of our people for better representation, development and opportunities,” he said.
Bekenawei further expressed confidence that the NDC would make a strong showing across the constituency in 2027, insisting that the party would take its message to the grassroots and engage communities across the various wards.
According to him, his experience in community leadership has prepared him for the broader responsibility of representing the diverse interests of Warri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.
He pointed to his record in Kokodiagbene as evidence of his commitment to grassroots development, noting that his administration as community chairman focused on education, infrastructure, employment opportunities, empowerment and partnerships that brought tangible benefits to residents.
During his tenure, his administration was credited with initiatives including collaboration with stakeholders to deploy teachers to community schools, support for employment opportunities, provision of water infrastructure, road development efforts and improvement of community mobility.
Bekenawei said the same spirit of service would guide his approach to federal representation if elected.
“Leadership is about service. It is about listening to the people, identifying their needs and pursuing solutions. I have had the privilege of serving my community, and I believe that experience has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our people in the riverine communities,” he stated.
He also emphasised the importance of unity across the constituency, describing Warri Federal Constituency as a diverse constituency that requires a representative capable of bringing people together and ensuring that every community benefits from democratic dividends.
His previously stated legislative priorities include effective representation, regular engagement with constituents, equitable distribution of constituency projects, healthcare improvement, support for small businesses and agriculture, rural infrastructure, education, youth development and digital skills acquisition.
Bekenawei said his vision was not simply to occupy a seat in the House of Representatives but to make the office directly responsive to the people.
“Representation should not end with winning an election. It must be about what you are able to bring back to the people. I want a representation where our people can see, feel and measure the impact of their mandate,” he said.
On the political contest ahead, Bekenawei was unequivocal about his determination to challenge the incumbent representative, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi.
He said the enthusiasm demonstrated at Kokodiagbene had further strengthened his resolve, declaring that he was prepared to take the political battle to every ward and community in Warri Federal Constituency.
“We are going into this election with courage, humility and determination. We will reach every ward, speak to our people and present our vision. By the grace of God and with the support of our people, we will unseat the incumbent,” Bekenawei declared.
He appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and focused, stressing that the NDC’s campaign would be based on its vision for development and effective representation.
The NDC candidate was accompanied and supported by prominent party figures, including Chief Bina-ebi Freeborn Adowei, the party’s Delta South Senatorial candidate; Hon. Chief Oscar Akpojene, NDC Delta South Senatorial District Chairman; Matthew Igiogio, Delta South Senatorial District Secretary; and Captain Presley Prebor, JP, candidate for Burutu Constituency 1.
The Kokodiagbene homecoming has further intensified political activities ahead of the 2027 election, with Bekenawei’s growing grassroots mobilisation positioning the NDC for a potentially keenly contested battle in Warri Federal Constituency.
For Bekenawei, however, the message from Kokodiagbene was clear: the journey to 2027 has moved beyond political aspiration and into the phase of grassroots engagement, with the NDC candidate seeking to translate the goodwill surrounding his candidacy into electoral support across the constituency.
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