By Akpos Oghenetega,
Chief Promise Lawuru, popularly known as Ozigizaga, has declared his intention to contest for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, promising to restore what he described as a long-silenced voice in the House of Representatives.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain made the declaration at a gathering of the Warri Urhobo Leadership Council, where he framed his ambition as a mission to revive effective representation and unite the ethnically diverse constituency.
“In the Green Chamber (House of Representatives), it has been a long time since we heard the voice of Warri. I therefore beg all of you that we should all put our hands together for me to go to the Green Chamber so that Warri’s voice can be heard again. The only constituency named after Warri is the Warri Federal Constituency, and the microphone has been off for so many years now. So, we want to go and turn the microphone on,” he said.
Lawuru, an indigene of Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area, anchored his campaign on service, unity, and inclusive representation across the Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw ethnic groups that make up the constituency.
“I thank you all. I am from Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area. What brought me to you people today is to come and tell you that I am your very own, your true son of the soil. I hail from the Warri Federal Constituency, which comprises the three Warri local government areas, and I have the interest to serve you,” he stated.
He took a swipe at previous representatives, accusing them of failing to embody the true essence of representation.
“One of the responsibilities of a Member of the Federal House of Representatives is to serve his people, not to lord over them. But the representatives we have had in the past and over the years see themselves as ‘leaders of the people’—they have gotten it wrong. When you are a representative, you become a servant to the people you represent,” he said.
Positioning himself as a bridge-builder, Lawuru rejected ethnic politics and pledged to represent all groups equally.
“Let it be known that I am not coming to represent Warri Federal Constituency in the name of Ijaws, Urhobos, or the Itsekiris. Warri Federal Constituency is made up of three ethnic groups, so I am coming to represent everybody, where the Itsekiris, Urhobos, and Ijaws would believe that it is their very own that is in the position. This is the ambition that has brought me to you all, to accept this clarion call,” he added.
He acknowledged existing divisions within the constituency, identifying unity as a top priority of his agenda.
“Though we have a little issue in the Warri Federal Constituency, which is disunity. We are not all that united, and one of the major responsibilities of a representative is to unite all of us as one. Therefore, I am coming first to unite all of us together, irrespective of your tribe, so that we all would see ourselves as brothers and sisters. This is what is bringing me to serve you. So there is no better person to go to the House of Representatives position than my humble self, Promise Lawuru, aka Ozigizaga,” he said.
Reinforcing his call for support, Lawuru invoked Warri’s well-known pride and competitive spirit.
“So, I have come to tell you all that you should send me to represent you in the Federal House of Representatives for Warri Federal Constituency. I want to go and represent you. It is said that ‘Warri no dey carry last,’ meaning that Warri is always first in all things. Therefore, we should at this point come out with the very best,” he stated.
Confident in his capacity to deliver, he dismissed criticisms about his stature, insisting performance would speak louder.
“When you have a good representative, you will experience development. Those who say I have a small stature will be deceived,” Lawuru noted.
His declaration was met with enthusiasm from supporters, who view his entry into the race as an opportunity to reposition Warri in national politics. With a message centred on unity, service, and strong representation, his candidacy is expected to intensify early political activity in the constituency ahead of 2027.
