Matthew Amaechi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South geopolitical zone has officially adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The resolution was reached on Saturday at the end of a high-level zonal stakeholders’ meeting held in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, where party leaders also endorsed the four incumbent APC governors in the region for automatic return tickets in the forthcoming governorship elections in their respective states.
The governors who benefitted from the endorsement include Governor Bassey Edet Otu (Cross River State) – who also serves as the South-South APC Zonal Coordinator, Governor Monday Okpebholo (Edo State), Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State) and Governor Umo Bassey Eno (Akwa Ibom State)
It is noteworthy that Governors Oborevwori and Eno, originally elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), recently defected to the APC, significantly boosting the party’s influence in a region long considered an opposition stronghold.
The communique containing the resolutions was read by Chief Victor Giadom, the APC National Vice Chairman for the South-South. The motion for adoption was moved by the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, himself a key figure from the South-South, presided over the meeting.
“The South-South zone of the APC stands firmly behind the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We hereby unanimously adopt him as our sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election,” the communique stated.
“We also express full confidence in our governors and endorse them as the party’s standard-bearers for their second terms. Their leadership continues to bring visible progress to the region.”
This development marks a strategic move by the APC to solidify internal cohesion within the zone, preempt intra-party conflict, and position the party favorably ahead of the 2027 elections. The endorsement of President Tinubu reaffirms the region’s alignment with the center, while the unopposed backing of the governors is aimed at ensuring continuity and stability at the state level.
Political observers view the endorsements as both a reward for loyalty and a message of strength to the opposition, especially in the traditionally PDP-dominated South-South.
Sources at the meeting disclosed that the stakeholders also discussed plans for grassroots mobilization, expansion of party membership, reconciliation of aggrieved factions, and strengthening party structures ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Further details from the meeting, including specific strategies for the 2027 elections and key appointments to support the resolutions, are expected to be released in due course.
