The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South geopolitical zone has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
This decision was announced on Saturday during a high-level stakeholders meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, themed “Renewed Hope in Action: Strengthening APC Mobilization and Governance in the South-South.”
The meeting, which drew top-ranking party members including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors, ministers, National Assembly members, and other key stakeholders, also endorsed all APC governors in the region for second-term bids.
Reading the communiqué, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, said the endorsement of President Tinubu was unanimous. He cited the president’s impact on the region, particularly through infrastructure development and the implementation of his Renewed Hope agenda.
The party commended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Bassey Eno for their decision to align with the APC, urging Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) to follow suit for the collective growth and development of the region.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole seconded the motion for the adoption of the communiqué, which was moved by House of Representatives Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, in his welcome remarks, noted that the South-South is regaining its footing under President Tinubu’s leadership and encouraged regional unity under the APC umbrella.
Acting National Chairman of the APC, Ali Bukar Dalori, assured stakeholders that the APC has no intention of establishing a one-party state, but emphasized that there is “no vacancy in Aso Rock” come 2027.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a united South-South voice ahead of the 2027 elections. Emphasizing the region’s strategic importance, he said, “We must prepare ahead… this region lays the golden egg and should determine who shares in it.”
Akpabio also hinted that Governors Fubara and Diri may soon join the APC, expressing confidence that the entire South-South region would soon be under the party’s control.
Among dignitaries at the event were Governors Umo Bassey Eno (Akwa Ibom), Prince Bassey Edet Otu (Cross River), and host governor Monday Okpebholo (Edo). Governor Oborevwori of Delta was represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme. Members of the APC National Working Committee and various ministers were also in attendance.
The event followed a two-day strategic regional meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum, also held in Benin City.
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