Akpabio Rallies South-south APC to Deliver Highest Votes for Tinubu in 2027

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja 

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday charged stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-south to mobilise massively and deliver the highest votes in the country for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Akpabio, according to a statement by his Media Office, gave the directive at the APC South-south Zonal Congress held in Asaba, Delta State, where all six governors from the oil-rich region were in attendance, signalling a significant consolidation of political strength within the party.

In a speech that underscored unity and political dominance, the Senate President expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the APC leadership for what he described as long-overdue recognition of the South-south zone, noting that it had been about 45 years since the region last produced a Senate President.

According to him, the party had demonstrated goodwill towards the region, which he said had been reciprocated through increased membership and political alignment with the ruling party.

Akpabio traced the APC’s growth in the South-south, recalling that the party controlled only one state as recently as 2023 but has since expanded its influence to include all six states in the zone.

He attributed the political gains to the resilience and strategic leadership of the party’s zonal leadership under Chief Victor Giadom, whom he commended for maintaining stability and focus.

Akpabio said: “Now, Governor of Cross River State, you are no longer alone. These achievements, having all governors in the South-south under one umbrella, were made possible by steadfast and focused leadership at the zonal level.”

He urged the party faithful to remain resolute ahead of the next general election, stressing that the region must not only support the president but outperform other geopolitical zones in terms of votes delivered.

“The president has asked me to thank the South-south. It is not whether we are going to win in 2027; the question is, by what margin,” he said.

Using a metaphor to drive home his message, Akpabio added: “You cannot be escorted by lions and be afraid of goats. Now that we are united and focused, the task before us is clear: the South-south must deliver the highest votes among the six zones.”

He called on party members to challenge one another to achieve that goal, insisting that the region must not lag behind despite its current political prominence.

“You cannot have your brother seated at the table and still come last. Can the South-south afford to come last? We must lead,” he said.

Akpabio also reflected on the historical significance of his emergence as Senate President, pointing out that the last occupant of the office from the region was Joseph Wayas, who served during the Second Republic.

He maintained that the Tinubu administration had corrected that imbalance, placing the South-south at the centre of national politics.

In his remarks, the host governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, described the congress as a defining moment for the APC in the region, emphasising the strategic importance of the South-south in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.

“The South-south is very key to this nation, and this is the first time the region is coming together under one political party,” he said.

Oborevwori noted that the gathering was more than a routine political meeting, describing it as a clear demonstration of unity, organisation and preparedness for future electoral contests.

“Today is not just another political gathering. It is a declaration that the APC in the South-south is united, organised and ready for the future,” he added.

He further urged party members to sustain the momentum by strengthening structures at all levels, from the wards to the grassroots, while maintaining close engagement with the electorate.

“We must continue to deepen our unity, strengthen our structures in every ward and local government, and remain firmly connected to the grassroots,” the governor said.

The highlight of the congress was the election of a new South-south zonal executive council of the party through a consensus arrangement, reflecting what party leaders described as internal cohesion.

Chief Victor Giadom was re-elected as the APC South-south National Vice-Chairman, alongside other members of the executive.

They include Dr. Ita Udosen as Zonal Secretary; Hon. Safugha Newword as Legal Adviser; Dr. Samuel Nwanosike as Publicity Secretary; Prince Koyoyo Uhrorho as Youth Leader; Hon. Sodangwuo Omoni as Women Leader; Hon. Edward Ajang as Organising Secretary; and Prince Ayo Peter Olowojoba as Leader of Persons Living with Disabilities.

The congress ended with renewed optimism among party leaders, who expressed confidence that the APC’s growing dominance in the South-south would translate into a decisive electoral advantage for President Tinubu in 2027.