The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone has officially adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
This declaration was made 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 gathering brought together key figures in the party, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC governors, federal lawmakers, ministers, and other top government officials.
Also adopted at the meeting were the sitting APC governors in the region, who were endorsed as sole candidates for second-term bids.
Reading the communiqué on behalf of the stakeholders, APC South-South National Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, stated that the unanimous endorsement of President Tinubu was in recognition of his “renewed hope agenda” and ongoing infrastructure development efforts benefiting the region.
The party leadership also commended Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Pastor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom for joining the APC. Meanwhile, it urged Bayelsa’s Governor Douye Diri and Rivers State’s Siminalayi Fubara to align with the party for regional unity and growth.
Senator Julius Ihonvbere moved the motion for the adoption of the communiqué, which was seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the region’s return to good governance under APC leadership and called for greater unity among South-South governors.
Acting National Chairman of the APC, Ali Bukar Dalori, reaffirmed that the party has no intention of instituting one-party rule in Nigeria, adding that “there is no vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027.”
Senate President Akpabio called on party members in the region to speak with one voice, stating that the South-South “lays the golden egg” and should have a say in national governance.
He also hinted that Governors Diri and Fubara may soon join the APC, adding that the region is fully behind Tinubu’s reelection, despite opposition from “a few elements forming coalitions.”
Also in attendance were Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Prince Bassey Otu (Cross River), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme, who represented Governor Oborevwori.
Other dignitaries included members of the APC National Working Committee, ministers, and top-ranking lawmakers.
This meeting follows last weekend’s strategic session of the Progressive Governors Forum, also held in Benin City and hosted by Governor Okpebholo.