In a dramatic display of political reconciliation and realignment within Warri Federal Constituency, prominent Itsekiri leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Chief Ayirimi Emami, have thrown their weight behind the second-term ambitions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
The high-level meeting, held in Warri, marked a turning point in the constituency’s political dynamics, as key figures who had previously been divided came together to chart a unified course. A motion endorsing both Tinubu and Oborevwori was moved by Hon. (Barr.) Daniel Omayone Mayuku, a former Delta State lawmaker, and seconded by Hon. Otimeyin Emmanuel Origbo, one of the state assembly’s pioneer members.
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Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Chief Emami—known for his independent stance—acknowledged that while he had reservations about backing Governor Oborevwori of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he ultimately aligned with the collective decision of the APC Itsekiri bloc.
“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,” Emami stated in a mix of English and Pidgin, reflecting the complex political calculus behind the endorsement.
The meeting was presided over by Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, the current representative of Warri Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. A voice vote on the motion of endorsement received unanimous support, signaling strong intra-ethnic solidarity and political cohesion among the Itsekiri APC leadership.
Chief Emami further emphasized the broader significance of the meeting. “Politics don divide us for long, but thank God say we dey come back together as one united family,” he said.
The development reflects a growing trend of cross-party support in Nigeria’s fluid political environment, where regional interests and ethnic unity often transcend party affiliations. It also points to the increasing influence of grassroots and ethnic leaders in shaping the national and state-level political narrative as the 2027 general elections approach.
