…South-West, South-East, North-West, North East Join North-Central, South-South for President’s Re-Election
By John Paul
The South-South zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has set the tone for a nationwide consolidation behind President Bola Tinubu, following a successful zonal congress in Asaba, Delta State, where party leaders underscored unity and readiness for the 2027 general elections.
The congress, which produced a new Zonal Executive Committee through consensus, drew top party figures including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors, lawmakers, and stakeholders from across the region. Speakers at the event emphasised cohesion, grassroots mobilisation, and alignment with the Federal Government as critical to electoral success.
Akpabio, conveying the goodwill of President Tinubu, described the South-South as a rapidly consolidating political bloc within the APC and challenged the region to emerge as a leading vote base for the party in 2027.
Governors in the zone, including Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), echoed the call for unity, stressing the need for sustained grassroots engagement and stronger internal cohesion.
Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in his goodwill message, welcomed delegates to Asaba and described the congress as a demonstration of the party’s strength, unity, and readiness for future political engagements.
Oborevwori emphasised the need for sustained grassroots mobilisation and urged party members to deepen internal cohesion, strengthen structures across all levels, and maintain strong connections with the people.
Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, also underscored the importance of unity, describing the adoption of consensus as a major step in reducing internal conflicts and fostering collective ownership within the party.
The South-South outing is part of a broader wave of zonal congresses and endorsements across the country, all pointing to a growing consensus within the APC around President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In the North-Central, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, led stakeholders to formally adopt Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate at the zonal congress in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The motion, seconded by Governor Abdullahi Sule, received unanimous approval, marking the first formal endorsement by any zone.
Akume expressed confidence in the zone’s electoral strength, while urging party members to intensify mobilisation ahead of 2027.
In the South-West, the APC Zonal Congress held at Onikan Stadium in Lagos further reinforced the party’s unity. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the gathering provided an opportunity to reconnect with party members and reaffirm a shared commitment to progress and stability.
Similarly, APC governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, described the congress as a reflection of the region’s enduring cohesion and dedication to people-centred governance.
From the South-East, Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State said the peaceful conduct of congresses at all levels demonstrated the zone’s unity and determination.
“Our peaceful and successful ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses underscore our collective determination to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027,” he said, noting that the process had strengthened the party despite earlier scepticism.
In the North-West, the zonal congress held in Kaduna also highlighted growing alignment within the party. Governor Uba Sani described the exercise as a demonstration of unity, discipline, and democratic responsibility, affirming continued support for Tinubu’s administration and reform agenda.
Also speaking, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State said the gathering of stakeholders had further strengthened collaboration within the zone.
“The successful election and swearing-in of the new Zonal Executive Committee marks another significant step in consolidating the leadership structure of the APC in the North-West,” he said, adding that leaders in the zone remained committed to party unity and good governance.
Across the North-East, party stakeholders have similarly maintained alignment with the APC’s national leadership, reinforcing the broader consensus.
In Plateau State, the APC Forum endorsed both President Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang for second terms, citing confidence in their leadership and the party’s growing national appeal.
Observers note that taken together, developments across the South-South, South-East, South-West, North-Central, North-East and North-West indicate a party closing ranks early, with structures and stakeholders coalescing around securing President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.