12/06/2026
The Political Masterstroke of the Youth O’Clock Movement and the Strategic Mind of Papems Peter Etolor
Months ago, we had the privilege of accompanying Papems to a meeting in Abuja with Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, a leading gubernatorial figure in Nasarawa State. During the course of that meeting, one of Papems highly respected associates introduced him as a youth leader and strong mobilizer in the Niger Delta, to the admiration of the distinguished Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Funds.
It was from that moment that some of us began encouraging Papems to temporarily leave the United Kingdom, where he is pursuing advanced research in Cybersecurity, and return home to contest for elective office. After much persuasion and pressure from supporters and those he listens to, he eventually answered the call. However, it soon became clear that his plans were far more strategic and far-reaching than many of us had imagined.
Those who know Papems understand that he is a man who always prepares for multiple outcomes. In one of our discussions, he explained how he anticipated the possibility of betrayal from within his own people in Bomadi and advised us not to be discouraged should such a situation arise. This was why many of us were not entirely surprised when the likes of Ebi Kasikoro and Chief Alphonsius Feh, both men he holds in high regard, chose a different path at the directive of a transactional party leadership in Delta State that appeared more comfortable with weaker and less visible candidates than with a candidate who possessed the capacity to mobilize and win elections.
Despite these challenges, Papems remained focused on what he considered a higher priority: contributing to the emergence of His Excellency Waziri Atiku Abubakar as President of Nigeria in 2027, while strengthening and preserving the relationships, goodwill, and networks he has built across the constituency.
What many may not know is that, even after what many considered unfair treatment, Papems refused to be distracted. Having donated a party secretariat and personally funded the purchase of congress forms for local government party leaders, many expected him to deploy his considerable connections to challenge the injustice meted out to him. Instead, he chose restraint and discipline.
Rather than becoming consumed by disappointment, he implemented another aspect of his broader strategy. He returned his focus to completing his Cybersecurity studies and research in the UK, recognizing that personal development, knowledge acquisition, and long-term capacity building remain essential pillars of effective leadership. While others would have been overwhelmed by bitterness and political frustration, he chose growth over grievance and preparation over protest.
This decision reflects a level of political maturity and foresight that many may only come to appreciate with time. When that moment arrives, our people will recognize the vision of this young man who, within a short period, transformed a simple idea into the Youth O’Clock Movement, a brand that has grown into a recognizable force across the Niger Delta.
He has shown his face to his people, his footprints have been felt, and his influence continues to expand. The foundations are being laid today for a future in which Papems Peter Etolor will one day emerge as a political figure too significant to ignore.
Therefore, For many of us who believe in the Youth O’Clock Movement, Papems journey is only just beginning. We believe that destiny, no matter how delayed, has positioned him to contribute significantly to the advancement of the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta at large into national relevance.
Sooner or later, the tables will turn. We remain optimistic about his continued growth, expanding influence, and the realization of the vision that has inspired countless youths
Youth 0’Clock
If not now, when ?
