At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, on Saturday, South-South leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
In addition, the APC stakeholders threw their weight behind the governors of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, and Edo states as the party’s unopposed candidates for their respective upcoming governorship elections.
The motion to adopt the communique was moved by the Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and seconded by former Edo State governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole.
Reading the communiqué, APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, said the decision to back President Tinubu was in recognition of his “transformational leadership” and developmental agenda. He also commended the president for initiating the South-South Development Commission and pushing forward the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
Giadom further praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as “making the zone proud” through his strong support for President Tinubu and visible infrastructural projects in the FCT. He also called on the governors of Bayelsa and Rivers States to align with the APC, hinting at possible realignments ahead of 2027.
‘Tinubu has no intention of a one-party system in Nigeria’
In his address, APC Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Ali Dalori, hailed the zone’s leadership for organizing the meeting and officially welcomed Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom into the party fold. Dalori dismissed concerns about the APC aiming to dominate the political landscape unchallenged, saying, “President Tinubu’s administration has no intention of turning Nigeria into a one-party state.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, also in attendance, expressed optimism that the entire South-South zone would soon be under the APC’s control. He suggested that Governors Siminialayi Fubara (Rivers) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa) could be on the verge of defecting to the ruling party.
In his welcome remarks, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo said the region was beginning to experience more stable and responsive governance, attributing the gains to President Tinubu’s support and leadership.
Those in attendance included Senate President Akpabio, Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Bassey Otu (Cross River), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo), with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme. Also present were federal and state lawmakers, ministers from the region, and other top political appointees within the APC.
