The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South zone has openly declared its full support for President Bola Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election. This bold decision came during the party’s zonal stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday in Benin City, Edo State.
Party members at the gathering also endorsed the four South-South governors as the party’s sole candidates for the 2027 governorship elections in their respective states, setting the tone for what appears to be a carefully orchestrated political strategy ahead of the next general elections.
During the meeting, APC stalwarts across the South-South zone reached a unanimous agreement to back President Bola Tinubu for a second term. Many of them described the endorsement as a “necessary step to ensure political continuity.”
The endorsement was contained in a communique read by Chief Victor Giadom, the APC National Vice Chairman for the South-South. According to him, the party’s leadership in the zone believes Tinubu deserves another term due to what they called his “steadfast leadership and economic reforms.”
The motion to adopt the endorsement was moved by Professor Julius Ihonvbere, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District. Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over the meeting.
South-South Governors Also Backed For 2027
Besides endorsing Tinubu, the party went further by adopting its four South-South governors as sole governorship candidates for 2027.
The governors include Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River, who also serves as the South-South APC Coordinator, and Monday Okpebholo of Edo State. Both were heavily praised for their roles in strengthening the party in the region.
Also on the list were Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom, both of whom recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.
Many observers see this move as controversial, especially since it pre-empts any internal contest or opposition within the party. However, party loyalists argue that unity is needed to win future elections.
Concerns Rise Over APC’s Political Strategy
While the endorsements were greeted with applause from party faithful at the event, not everyone agrees with the strategy. Some party supporters outside the meeting venue questioned why the APC was rushing to settle its presidential and governorship tickets so early.
One attendee, who preferred to remain anonymous, asked bluntly, “Where does this leave other qualified aspirants?”
Political analysts say this decision could provoke tension within the APC, particularly among those eyeing the party’s presidential ticket. But the party leaders insist that this endorsement is about “stability and focus.”
As it stands, the South-South APC has firmly thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu for 2027, and their message is clear: “We stand with Tinubu and our governors.”
For now, the South-South APC has made its position known without hesitation. With this endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for 2027, the political scene in the zone has been set.
