BY RICHARD EWEKA
BENIN CITY – The South-South Zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, attributing the endorsement to his administration’s transformative projects and policies, which stakeholders say have brought unparalleled development and attention to the region.
The decision, announced in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the South-South APC stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City at the weekend, was presented by Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
The meeting, themed ‘Renewed Hope in Action – Strengthening APC Mobilisation and Governance in the South-South,’ brought together key party figures from across the six states of the region.
According to the communiqué, the adoption of President Tinubu is rooted in his “uncommon love and support for the South-South Region,” exemplified by his administration’s backing of a South-South Senate President, the signing of the South-South Development Commission Act, and large-scale infrastructure investments like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which stakeholders believe are poised to unlock the region’s economic potential.
Leaders at the meeting praised Tinubu’s economic reforms and governance agenda, describing them as critical to repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth.
They argued that continuing with Tinubu beyond 2027 is essential for consolidating gains already made and accelerating ongoing projects that directly benefit the region.
“Our endorsement of President Tinubu is a recognition of his deliberate policies which have, for the first time in a long while, given the South-South a sense of belonging and active participation in the Nigerian project,” the communiqué read.
“We are determined to mobilise our people massively to ensure his re-election in 2027 so these reforms can take firmer root.”
The South-South APC also passed a vote of confidence on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, hailing his leadership in uniting the region and effectively supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda.
They called on the Governors of Bayelsa and Rivers States, both non-APC states, to align with Tinubu’s developmental vision by joining the ruling party.
Further, the zone endorsed the four sitting APC governors in the South-South as sole governorship candidates for 2027, citing their dedication to good governance and regional transformation.
These include Pastor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Senator Bassey Otu (Cross River), Elder Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Senator Monday Okpebholo (Edo).
A special tribute was also paid to the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, described as a “proud son of the South-South” whose unwavering support for Tinubu has strengthened the region’s standing in national politics.
The acting National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori, in his remarks, applauded the South-South for its unity and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, urging stakeholders to sustain mobilisation efforts ahead of 2027 to ensure a decisive victory for the party.
