The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has charged members of the South-South geopolitical zone to deliver the highest votes for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The call was made on Wednesday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Zonal Congress, which took place in Asaba, Delta State, and was attended by all six state governors of the zone.
Addressing party members and stakeholders, Akpabio expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the APC leadership for recognizing the South-South zone after nearly 45 years since the last time the region produced a Senate President. He emphasized that the party had treated the zone well, and the people had reciprocated by increasingly aligning with the APC.
He recalled that in 2023, the APC in the South-South started with just one governor, the Cross River State Governor, but now boasts all six governors in the zone under its fold. Akpabio attributed this achievement to the steady and focused leadership of Chief Victor Giadom, the Zonal Chairman.
"Now Governor of Cross River State, you are no longer alone. All these achievements, to have all these governors coming together in the South-South, was made possible by the fact that the Zonal leadership of the party under Victor Giadom has been steady, steadfast, and focused," Akpabio said.
He further highlighted the symbolic importance of the South-South in national politics, noting that under President Tinubu’s administration, the zone is now fully represented and recognized at the national level. "So turn to the person by your side. Challenge the person. Say we will give the highest votes among the six zones in Nigeria. We will give the highest," he urged, adding, "The last time we had a Senate President from this zone was Joseph Wayas, about 45 years ago. Today, under Tinubu, the South-South is on the table. We cannot carry last."
Akpabio also underscored the strategic significance of the South-South to the APC, urging party members to remain focused and committed to ensuring electoral success for the party in 2027. He described the zone’s growing political influence as both historic and transformative for the region, which has now become a key player in the national political landscape.
Speaking at the commencement of the programme, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, the host governor, stressed the importance of the South-South in Nigeria’s political architecture. He described the gathering as more than a routine political event, calling it a declaration of unity and readiness for the future. "South-South is very key to this nation, and this is the first time the South-South is coming together under one party," Oborevwori said.
The governor also praised the APC for its structured and democratic processes, emphasizing the need to strengthen party structures at the ward and local government levels while maintaining close ties with the grassroots. "Today is not just another political gathering. It is a declaration that the APC in South-South is united, organized, and ready for the future. We have demonstrated that the APC remains the most structured and democratic party in Nigeria," he said.
The highlight of the congress was the election, by consensus, of the new South-South Zonal Executive, further consolidating party unity ahead of the 2027 elections. Chief Victor Giadom was re-elected as South-South National Vice Chairman, reflecting continuity in leadership and confidence in his stewardship.
Other members of the newly elected zonal executive include Dr. Ita Udosen as Zonal Secretary, Hon. Barr. Safugha Newword as Legal Adviser, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike as Publicity Secretary, Prince Koyoyo Uhrorho as Youth Leader, Hon. Sodangwuo Omoni as Women Leader, Hon. Prince Edward Ajang as Organising Secretary, and Prince Ayo Peter Olowojoba as Leader of People Living with Disabilities.
The congress underscored the APC’s commitment to consolidating political gains in the South-South and leveraging the zone’s influence to secure widespread support for President Tinubu. The unified front demonstrated at the event is expected to strengthen the party’s performance in future elections, reflecting a blend of experienced leadership, strategic mobilization, and grassroots engagement across the region.
With this consensus-driven approach and the active involvement of all six governors, the South-South is poised to play a pivotal role in the APC’s national strategy for the 2027 general elections, ensuring that the zone delivers its maximum electoral potential for the party and its presidential candidate.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge from party members and executives to uphold unity, strengthen organizational structures, and work tirelessly to secure a decisive victory for President Tinubu in the 2027 elections, cementing the South-South’s growing influence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
