Itsekiri youths, under the auspices of Itsekiri Youths for Good Governance (IYGG), have called on former two-time President of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG), Prince Edema Collins Oritsetimeyin, to contest the Delta South Senatorial Seat in the 2027 polls.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the Delta South Coordinator and Secretary of IYGG, Sam Oki Metsh, and George Omatsuli, respectively.
The statement reads in part: “The call was made after a strategic meeting of the group’s leadership. Prince Edema is a transformational leader whose track record in both the private sector and community service makes him the ideal candidate to represent the interests of the district.
“Delta South Senatorial District, which comprises the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Isoko ethnic nationalities — requires a representative who is not only trustworthy, but also possesses the technical and diplomatic capacity to deliver results at the National Assembly.
“The leadership and members of Itsekiri Youths for Good Governance are calling on the ever-trustworthy, philanthropist, and people-oriented leader, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, to contest for the Senate. We have closely watched your trajectory, and we know you have the capacity to lead our people effectively. Your vision for inclusivity is exactly what Delta South needs in 2027.”
One of the core themes of the endorsement is Prince Edema’s perceived ability to unify the diverse ethnic groups within the district. The IYGG noted that his previous roles — particularly as the Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri to the NNPCL — have demonstrated his skill in managing complex community engagements and ensuring that the benefits of the oil and gas sector reach the grassroots.
Supporters point to his history as a former President of both the National Association of Itsekiri Students (NAIS) and the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) as evidence of his longstanding commitment to human capacity development and youth empowerment.
The senatorial seat is historically one of the most competitive in Nigeria. With the 2023 elections having shifted the district’s political landscape, the call for a “people-oriented” candidate like Prince Edema suggests a growing demand for leadership that prioritises community impact over partisan rhetoric
The IYGG’s move is seen by many political analysts as the first major salvo in the race for the Red Chamber, signalling that the youth bloc — a decisive factor in Delta State politics — is ready to take an active role in determining who represents them.
As of the time of this report, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema has yet to make an official declaration regarding his political intentions, but the seeming groundswell of support from various community groups indicates that his potential candidacy would be a formidable force in the 2027 polls.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.