By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
In a dramatic show of political realignment and reconciliation within Delta State’s Warri Federal Constituency, prominent Itsekiri All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders including Chief Ayirimi Emami, have declared their support for the second-term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
The meeting, which signaled growing unity among the Itsekiri political class, saw party leaders publicly reconcile past differences and take a collective stand. A motion to endorse both Tinubu and Oborevwori for a second term was moved by Hon. (Barr.) Daniel Omayone Mayuku, a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly, and seconded by Hon. Otimeyin Emmanuel Origbo, one of the Assembly’s pioneer lawmakers.
Speaking with journalists shortly after a strategic meeting of APC Itsekiri leaders in Warri, Emami, known for his firm political stance, admitted he was initially reluctant to endorse Governor Oborevwori, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but had to align with the party’s decision in the interest of unity and progress.
“You all know say we don endorse my Oga and my leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for second term. I for nor endorse Sheriff Oborevwori but as dem come join us for our party arrangement, I no get choice. So, I endorse the two of them,” he said in a mix of English and pidgin, evoking both loyalty and the complexities of Delta’s political landscape.
In a rare show of cohesion, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, who represents Warri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly and presided over the meeting, threw the motion to a voice vote. The Itsekiri APC leaders responded unanimously, passing a resounding vote of confidence in both the President and Governor.
Reflecting on the deeper implications of the endorsement, Emami stressed the need for political harmony within the Itsekiri nation. “Politics don divide us for long, but thank God say we dey come back together as one united family,” he noted.
The meeting underscored a growing trend of cross-party endorsement in Nigeria’s evolving democracy, where grassroots alignment and ethnic solidarity sometimes override partisan lines. It also highlighted the increasing role of regional leaders like Emami in shaping the political tide ahead of the 2027 elections.