Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Nigeria’s South-South region have unanimously adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The resolution was reached during a high-level meeting held on Saturday.
The political leaders also endorsed incumbent APC governors from the region—namely those of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, and Edo States—as the party’s exclusive candidates for their respective re-election or governorship contests.
The communiqué from the meeting was read by the APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom. He explained that the decision to rally behind President Tinubu stemmed from his administration’s transformative leadership, especially regarding development initiatives in the South-South region.
Giadom specifically commended the President for initiating the South-South Development Commission and for the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, both of which he described as landmark projects with significant impact on the region’s economy and connectivity.
The South-South APC caucus also praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his unwavering support of the Tinubu administration and for enhancing the zone’s reputation through infrastructural development in the FCT.
Furthermore, Giadom extended an appeal to the governors of Bayelsa and Rivers States—Douye Diri and Siminalayi Fubara respectively—urging them to align with the APC in order to consolidate regional unity and progress.
Moving the motion for the adoption of the communiqué was the Leader of the House of Representatives, Professor Julius Ihonvbere. It was seconded by former APC National Chairman and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole.
In his remarks, the Acting National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Ali Dalori, commended the party’s South-South leadership for convening the strategic meeting. He officially welcomed Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to the party, while reiterating that the Tinubu-led administration harbored no intentions of creating a one-party state.
Speaking at the same event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed confidence that the entire South-South geopolitical zone would soon come under APC control.
He also hinted that discussions were underway which could see the Rivers and Bayelsa governors join the ruling party in the near future.
Earlier in his welcome address, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State emphasized that the South-South was regaining its footing in governance and development, thanks to President Tinubu’s support and leadership.
The meeting had in attendance several prominent figures including Senate President Akpabio, Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Bassey Edet (Cross River), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo). Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme.
Also present were ministers from the South-South, federal and state lawmakers elected on the APC platform, as well as top political appointees from the region.