The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria's South-South geopolitical zone has unanimously adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The decision was made during a stakeholders meeting held in Benin City on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

The gathering, themed "Renewed Hope in Action: Strengthening APC Mobilization and Governance in the South-South," brought together prominent party figures including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors, ministers, National Assembly members, and other party officials.

Reasons Behind the Endorsement

According to the communique read by Victor Giadom, the National Vice Chairman of APC South-South, the endorsement was based on President Tinubu's infrastructural development initiatives and his "uncommon renewed hope agenda" which has significantly benefited the region.

The stakeholders also adopted the four APC governors in the region as sole candidates for second terms, citing their good governance as justification for the decision.

Call for Regional Unity Under APC

The party commended Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Pastor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa-Ibom State for joining the APC. They further urged Governors Duoye Diri of Bayelsa and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers to follow suit "for the interest and development of the region."

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who hosted the meeting, noted that the South-South region is "gradually coming back to its footing in terms of good governance" following President Tinubu's support. He emphasized the importance of regional unity to ensure the South-South speaks with one voice.

The party also praised former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike for supporting President Tinubu and for his work in transforming the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Leadership Perspectives

Acting National Chairman of the APC, Ali Bukar Dalori, clarified that the Tinubu administration has no intention of turning Nigeria into a one-party state. However, he declared that "there is no vacancy in Aso Rock comes 2027," signaling the party's confidence in securing re-election.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for unity within the party in the South-South zone. "We must prepare ahead of the 2027 presidential and general election. We should all long for an inclusive government not only in the country but also in the South-South. Let us ensure that APC remains the party of progress," he stated.

Akpabio expressed confidence that the entire South-South region would soon come under APC control, hinting that Governors Fubara and Diri might soon join the party. He added that the people of the South-South region are "100 percent in support of President Tinubu's reelection bid" despite opposition from some quarters.

The motion for the adoption of the communique was moved by Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Leader in the House of Representatives, and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

BenriNews reports that the meeting follows a two-day strategic regional meeting of APC governors under the Progressive Governors Forum, also hosted by Governor Okpebholo in Benin City.

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