The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South geo-political zone, on Saturday, reaffirmed its unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by unanimously endorsing him as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The endorsement came at the end of a high-level Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Benin City, Edo State.
In a communique presented by the APC Zonal Chairman, Victor Gaidom, the zone also endorsed all four incumbent APC governors for second terms, while passing a vote of confidence in the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and members of the Zonal Working Committee for their commitment to party growth and national development.
The Stakeholders applauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his unwavering support for President Tinubu’s administration and commended his performance in steering development in the nation’s capital.
Akpabio: South-South No Longer an Afterthought in National Development
In his keynote address titled “United Vision: Advancing South-South Progress Under President Bola Tinubu”, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that the South-South is finally receiving strategic federal attention under the Tinubu-led Renewed Hope Agenda.
“For the first time, the South-South is no longer an afterthought in Nigeria’s development agenda,” Akpabio declared. “We are now witnessing visible and measurable progress that affirms our relevance and contributions to the nation.”
He highlighted transformative infrastructure projects such as the Coastal Highway, stretching from Lagos through the Niger Delta and terminating in Calabar — calling it “a symbol of visionary leadership and an economic game-changer.”
According to Akpabio, the highway will unlock the region’s economic potential, boost inter-state commerce, promote tourism, and create thousands of jobs.
Infrastructure, Energy, and Education: Renewed Hope in Action
Senator Akpabio also noted the continuation of key national projects including the rehabilitation of the East-West Road and the revival of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri Railway line, which are breathing new life into neglected communities across the region.
He cited renewed energy sector investments such as:
- The Gas Revolution Industrial Park in Delta State,
- The expansion of modular refineries, and
- The implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) — empowering host communities and ensuring more transparent resource management.
In education, Akpabio revealed that federal institutions are being established across the South-South, enhancing access to quality education and grooming future leaders. He also mentioned the recalibration of social investment programs and the rollout of the Presidential CNG Initiative, which offers cleaner and cheaper fuel alternatives that will particularly benefit riverine and urban communities.
A Call for Unity and Grassroots Mobilization Ahead of 2027
Calling for unity ahead of the 2027 elections, Akpabio urged APC stakeholders and citizens of the South-South to rally behind President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Let us bury our divisions and stand together behind the APC — the only party with the structure, vision, and leadership to truly transform Nigeria,” he said.
“The task ahead is not just political, it is generational — about securing a better life for our children and ensuring lasting peace and prosperity in our communities.”
He concluded by encouraging sustained support, vigilance, and strategic grassroots engagement to consolidate the gains made so far:
“The South-South has waited long for inclusive development. Today, we are witnessing it unfold. With unity, the Renewed Hope Agenda will translate into renewed lives for our people.”
Jackson Udom
Special Assistant, Media to the President of the Senate
