By Attah Ede
Leaders of the All Progressive Congress in Edo, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States in collaboration with other members of the party in the south south zone have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu bid for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
Also, they have passed a vote of confidence on the state governors of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Edo states for second term in office in recognition of their socio-economic, political, commercial and infrastructure development in their respective states.
The two other governors listed in resolution were the two governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom States, Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Bassey Eno respectively, who defected from the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a few months ago to the ruling All Progressives Congress APC.
Speaking during a meeting held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State stated that the meeting and the decision that would be taken had the potential to unite not only the South-South geopolitical zone, but the entire nation.
He acknowledged that the South-South had always spoken with one voice during critical moments, stressing that the zone was gradually going back to its foundation of integrated politics.
“,I appeal to the remaining two governors in the zone to come on board on the APC ship so that the South-South could be United and speak with one voice”, he said.
The APC Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori, stated that the South-South remained strategic to the nation’s development, as there was need for the zone to be fully integrated into the party at the centre.
Dalori who affirmed that he was performing his first official duty since he assumed office penultimate Friday, called for unity of purpose.
Also speaking during the meeting, the Senate President, Akpabio, who doubles as the APC leader in the zone, maintained that the South-South geopolitical zone “is the heartbeat of the nation’s economy.”
“South-South is the chicken, if you like, that lays the golden eggs. If we are the chicken that lays the golden eggs, we equally have the right to determine who shares the golden eggs that come from the south-South.
“Ahead of 2027, the South-South is speaking with one voice that we are with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu United. This is our mandate in the South-South”, Senator Akpabio reiterated.
The communique of the meeting was read by Chief Victor Giadom, APC National Vice Chairman, South-South.
A motion for its adoption was moved by the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, and seconded by the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio presiding.
Part of the communique read: “The 5th day of July 2025, the South-South commends the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his reforms and policies to reposition Nigeria.
“We commend Mr. President for his uncommon love and support for the South-South region, which is clearly reflected in the support for the emergence of Senate President for the region in the person of, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“We also take cognisance of the massive developmental projects in the region, including but not limited to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
“We therefore unanimously pass a vote of confidence on our uncommon President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his outstanding leadership, for uniting the South-South region, and for his support for the renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
“We welcome the Governors, stakeholders, and supporters of the South-South states for their patriotic and courageous decisions of embracing the renewed Home Agenda and joining the All Progressive Congress, APC.
“We therefore humbly call on the remaining two non-APC governors of the region, namely governors of Rivers State and Bayelsa State, and their supporters, to also join the Progressive family in the APC.
“Finally, we pass a vote of confidence on the four APC governors of the South-South region, namely Senator Bassey Edet Otu of Cross Rivers State; Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Pastor Eno Umoh of Akwa-Ibom State, and Senator Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, and adopt them as our sole candidatesfor the 2027 elections
“We commend the party, we commend all the elected APC senators, members of the House of Representatives, ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the South-South, heads of MDAs, political appointees from the South-South region, for their loyalty to the party and for their support for the renewed Home Agenda.
“Further, we also recommend and commend the FCT Minister, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, leaders of the South-South region, for his continued support for the President and the renewed Home Agenda. We sincerely appreciate all members of the party, stakeholders, and supporters in the South-South region for their continued support and dedication to the party.
“We hereby unanimously adopt Mr. President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as our sole candidate for the 2027 election. That is the decision of the South-South Zone of the All-Progressive Congress.”
