The South-South zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections and called on Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa and the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

 

This resolution was part of a communiqué issued at the end of the APC South-South stakeholders’ meeting held in Benin City, Edo State. The communiqué was read by the party’s South-South Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, before a packed gathering of party faithful and leaders.

 

The APC also endorsed its four governors in the region—Senator Bassey Edet Otu (Cross River), Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Pastor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Senator Monday Okpebholo (Edo)—as the party’s candidates for the 2027 gubernatorial elections.

 

The communiqué praised President Tinubu’s leadership and his contributions to the region, citing key appointments like Senate President Godswill Akpabio and infrastructural projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. A vote of confidence was passed on both Tinubu and Akpabio for their efforts in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

“We commend Mr. President for his uncommon love for the South-South, reflected in his appointments and ongoing developmental projects,” the communiqué read. “We also express appreciation to Senate President Akpabio for his unifying leadership and support for the region.”

 

The party extended appreciation to APC lawmakers, ministers, and other appointees from the region for their loyalty, while urging full integration of the South-South into the national party structure. The meeting also acknowledged the contributions of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and commended him for backing the Tinubu administration.

 

The motion to adopt the communiqué was moved by House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North.

 

Speaking at the event, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that unity in the South-South could help heal divisions across Nigeria. He credited President Tinubu’s support for his administration’s early achievements, describing him as a leader of “uncommon wisdom and capacity.”

 

APC Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori, also addressed the gathering, calling the South-South region strategic to Nigeria’s growth and urging its people to solidly align with the party at the centre.

 

Senate President Akpabio echoed the sentiment, describing the region as “the chicken that lays the golden eggs,” and stressed the importance of the South-South in determining how Nigeria’s resources are shared. He declared that the region is united in its support for President Tinubu’s 2027 bid.