Pressure is mounting on prominent Itsekiri leader, Collins Edema, to declare his interest in contesting for the Delta South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, as a youth group intensifies its call for his participation.
The Itsekiri Youths for Good Governance (IYGG), in a statement signed by its leaders, Sam Oki Metsh and Omatsuli George, urged Edema to consider entering the race, citing his leadership qualities, humility, and track record of service.
The group said its appeal followed a careful review of Edema’s recent response to earlier calls for him to contest, noting that his statement that he had “not taken any decision regarding contesting in the 2027 general elections” leaves room for consideration.
According to the group, Edema’s disposition reflects a sense of responsibility and openness that aligns with the aspirations of the people of Delta South, who they say are in need of purposeful and visionary representation.
IYGG commended Edema for his current role as Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its joint venture partners, expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver on the assignment.
The group, however, stressed that its call was not intended to distract him from his present responsibilities or his service to the Itsekiri Nation, but rather to encourage broader consideration of his leadership potential at the national level.
The group also highlighted Edema’s ongoing political engagements, including his support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2027, describing it as a demonstration of loyalty and political alignment.
It urged Edema to continue consultations with his associates and stakeholders, noting that the build-up to the 2027 elections had already begun and expectations among constituents were rising.
IYGG further called on Edema’s close associates and business partners to encourage him to heed the growing calls to contest, emphasizing the need to prioritise the interests of Delta South in his eventual decision.
The group reaffirmed its support for Edema, assuring him of its commitment to back him regardless of the decision he takes, while reiterating its dedication to the unity, progress, and development of the Delta South Senatorial District.
Read the press statement in full:
IYGG TO COLLINS EDEMA: YOUR RESPONSE FURTHER SHOWS YOUR LOVE FOR DELTA SOUTH PEOPLE: THAT YOU ARE OPEN FOR CONSIDERATION TO CONTEST.
Having carefully reviewed your response, we, the leadership and members of Itsekiri Youths for Good Governance, wish to express our deep appreciation and admiration for your statesmanship, humility, and unwavering sense of duty.
As a group, we are proud to have identified you and appealed to you to consider contesting for the Delta South Senatorial Seat. Your humility remains one of the strongest qualities we believe is urgently needed in leadership today, especially at a time when our people yearn for purposeful, selfless, and visionary representation. We fully recognize and respect your current focus on the critical responsibility entrusted to you as the Sole Representative of His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, to NNPCL and JV Partners. We are confident in your proven capacity to deliver on this mandate with integrity, excellence, and dedication. Your track record over the years continues to inspire confidence and reinforces our belief that you possess the competence required to serve the greater Delta South effectively.
We also wish to clearly state that our appeal is not intended to distract you from your current assignment or your service to the Itsekiri Nation and the Warri Kingdom. Rather, it is a reflection of our collective hope and belief in your leadership potential.
In your response, you stated: “As of today, I have not taken any decision regarding contesting in the 2027 general elections.” This statement gives us hope and reassurance that the possibility remains open for the good people of Delta South to benefit from your leadership, should you decide to answer the call.
We commend your ongoing political engagements, particularly your commitment to ensuring the re-election of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in the 2027 general elections. This demonstration of loyalty, strategic alignment, and political responsibility further strengthens our confidence in your leadership.
This clear sense of direction has reassured us that our choice is not misplaced. We therefore respectfully urge you and your team to continue your consultations and preparations. The journey to 2027 is already underway, and the expectations of the people continue to grow for good leadership. And we believe that after your consultation with your team as stated by you, you will give our request and appeal a chance to contest the Delta South Senatorial District seat.
We also want you use the opportunity to appeal to close friends and business partners to help in speaking to you to see reasons why you should contest the Delta South Senatorial seat come 2027. As you embark on your consultation, is our hope and desire that you put Delta South first in all your discussion and decisions.
Be assured that we remain solidly behind you in any decision you take. Our support is unwavering, and our commitment to the progress, unity, and development of Delta South remains steadfast.
Signed:
Sam Oki Metsh
Omatsuli George
For Itsekiri Youths for Good Governance
