- South-South APC urges Rivers and Bayelsa governors to defect, says it will fast-track development across the region.
- Wike praised for FCT transformation and loyalty to Tinubu, hailed as South-South’s pride in national politics.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South geopolitical zone has thrown its weight behind president Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
This decision was taken at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Benin City with the theme, “Renewed Hope in Action: Strengthening APC Mobilisation and Governance in the South-South”.
The high-level meeting was attended by the senate president, Godswill Akpabio, APC governors, National Assembly members, ministers, heads of agencies, and others.
The party also adopted the sitting APC governors in the region as sole candidates for second-term bids in 2027.
Speaking at the event, the national vice chairman of the party, South-South, Victor Giadom, said the endorsement of the president was based on his commitment to infrastructural development and his “uncommon renewed hope agenda” which has benefited the region.
Giadom added that the stakeholders were unanimous in their choice and praised Tinubu’s leadership style.
The party commended governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom for joining APC.
It, however, urged their counterparts—governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa and governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers—to consider switching to APC for the sake of regional development.
The communique also praised the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for making the South-South proud.
“He has demonstrated commitment by supporting president Tinubu and transforming the FCT,” the party said.
Professor Julius Ihonvbere, leader in the House of Representatives, moved the motion for the adoption of the communique, which was seconded by senator Adams Oshiomhole.
In his welcome address, governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, said the region was regaining its feet through the support of president Tinubu.
He urged governors yet to join APC to come on board and strengthen the zone’s political unity.
The acting national chairman of APC, Ali Bukar Dalori, said the Tinubu-led administration had no plans to create a one-party state.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027,” Dalori said while calling for support for Tinubu’s renewed hope policies.
In his remarks, the senate president, Godswill Akpabio, urged the region to unite ahead of the 2027 polls.
He said: “We must prepare ahead of the 2027 presidential and general election. We should all long for an inclusive government not only in the country but also in the South-South.”
He insisted that the South-South deserves a say in national affairs, saying “the region lays the golden egg.”
Akpabio also revealed that governors Fubara and Diri might soon pitch tents with APC.
“The South-South is 100 per cent behind president Tinubu’s reelection,” he added.
The meeting had in attendance governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom, governor Prince Bassey Edet of Cross River, and governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo.
Also present was deputy governor Monday Onyeme who represented the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
The meeting followed a two-day strategic session of the Progressive Governors Forum also hosted in Benin by governor Okpebholo.
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