By Nathaniel Zaccheaus
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South on Wednesday demonstrated renewed unity and political coordination, adopting a consensus arrangement to elect its zonal officials and pledging to deliver overwhelming electoral support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The commitment was the central outcome of the APC South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, Delta State, where governors, lawmakers and key stakeholders from across the six states of the oil-rich region converged in what party leaders described as a historic consolidation of political strength ahead of the next electoral cycle.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who led the charge for cohesion, commended party stakeholders for embracing consensus as a mechanism to strengthen internal harmony and position the region as a decisive force in national politics.
Akpabio urged party faithful to translate unity into electoral dominance, insisting that the South-South must aim to produce the highest number of votes for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“The South-South has been recognised and brought to the centre of national decision-making. We cannot afford to come last when we are now central to power,” Akpabio said.
According to him, the region had historically been marginalised in the nation’s political structure but had now secured stronger representation, citing his emergence as Senate President as evidence of increased inclusion.
“The real contest in 2027 will not be about whether APC will win, but by what margin the South-South will contribute to that victory,” he added.
Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Senator Douye Diri, described the adoption of the consensus model as a deliberate strategy to minimise internal conflicts and enhance party stability ahead of the elections.
“Political events such as elective congresses are often characterised by rancour and division, but the consensus approach we have adopted demonstrates our determination to build unity,” Diri said.
He noted that the South-South now speaks with one political voice and must sustain the cohesion necessary to remain relevant in shaping national governance.
Similarly, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, described the congress as a turning point for the party in the region, stressing that unity would strengthen the APC’s grassroots structures and improve electoral performance.
“This is not just a routine political gathering; it is a signal that the APC in the South-South is united, organised and prepared for the future,” Oborevwori said.
He urged party members to deepen mobilisation across wards and local government areas to consolidate the party’s growing influence.
Leaders at the congress noted that the APC had recorded significant political expansion in the South-South in recent years, moving from limited representation to broader alignment across the six states.
They attributed the growth to improved coordination among party leaders and sustained engagement with stakeholders at both the state and federal levels.
*Giadom, Nwanosike, others emerge zonal leaders
Through the consensus process, Chief Victor Giadom was returned as APC South-South National Vice Chairman alongside other members of the zonal executive.
Other officials elected include Dr Ita Udosen as Zonal Secretary, Barrister 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 Persons Living with Disabilities.
Giadom described the large turnout of governors and party stakeholders as a demonstration of unity and commitment to the party’s future electoral success.
“This gathering reflects our readiness to work collectively to ensure victory for all APC candidates in the next elections,” he said.
Party leaders expressed optimism that the unity forged through the consensus arrangement would enhance internal stability and strengthen the South-South’s position as a critical bloc in determining the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
They maintained that sustained cooperation among party stakeholders would be essential to consolidating recent political gains and ensuring that the region plays a strategic role in national leadership decisions.
