From Moshood Karim
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s South-South zone has formally adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election, following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting hosted by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in Benin City on Saturday.
The gathering, which drew party leaders, governors, ministers, lawmakers and political appointees from across the region, also passed votes of confidence on the four APC governors in the zone as well as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing his “exemplary leadership” and efforts in unifying the region.
Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District, described the event as a “timely and strategic convergence of minds,” commending Governor Okpebholo for taking the initiative to host what he termed a “critical” meeting.
“The Governor’s initiative to host such a critical meeting demonstrates his proactive leadership style and unwavering commitment to the growth and unity of our great party, the APC,” Imasuen stated.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting applauded President Tinubu’s “uncommon love” for the South-South region, noting his support for major developmental initiatives, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project and the establishment of the South-South Development Commission.
The party also hailed the emergence of Senator Akpabio as Senate President, describing it as a direct result of President Tinubu’s commitment to regional inclusion and national cohesion. The party also passed a vote of confidence in him.
In a united front, the zone declared: “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 Progressives Congress.”. The South-South zone also adopted the four South-South APC governors as unopposed candidates for the 2027 gubernatorial election in their respective State.
The communiqué further called on the governors of Bayelsa and Rivers States, both of whom belong to opposition parties, to join the APC fold “in the interest of regional solidarity and national progress.”
In his remark, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described the region as the “chicken that lays the golden eggs,” stressing that it must be fully involved in determining Nigeria’s political direction.
“South-South is the chicken 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.
“Ahead of 2027, the South-South is speaking with one voice—we are with President Bola Tinubu,” Akpabio declared.
Appreciation was also extended to APC senators, House of Representatives members, ministers, and other political appointees from the South-South for their commitment to the party and to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Notably, the communiqué recognised the contributions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing him as a “prominent son of the South-South” who has shown steadfast support for the Tinubu administration.
Saturday’s meeting is seen by many analysts as a significant step towards consolidating the APC’s political strength in the region ahead of the 2027 elections.
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