South-South Must Lead in Tinubu’s Re-election Votes, Says Akpabio at APC Congress

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged the people of the South-South geo-political zone to deliver the highest votes for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Akpabio gave the charge on Wednesday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, Delta State. Governors from all six South-South states were present at the event.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the APC for recognising the South-South zone, noting that it had been about 45 years since the region last produced a Senate President.
According to him, the APC has treated the South-South well, and the people of the zone have reciprocated by aligning with the party.
Akpabio recalled that in 2023, the APC had only one governor in the South-South— from Cross River State—but now has all six governors in the region within its fold.
He said, “Now Governor of Cross River State, you are no longer alone. These achievements, bringing all the governors together in the South-South, were made possible due to the steady and focused leadership of the zonal leadership of the party under Victor Giadom.
“The President asked me to particularly thank the South-South. It is not about whether you will win in 2027. When lions escort you, you cannot be afraid of goats.
“Now that we are united and focused, the question is: what quantum of votes will the South-South deliver to the APC?
“Turn to the person beside you and challenge them. Say we will give the highest votes among the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
“APC has treated us well and we have reciprocated. The last time we had a Senate President from this zone was about 45 years ago with Joseph Wayas.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the South-South is now recognised. We are at the table. You cannot have your brother at the table and come last. Can South-South come last? We thank the APC for giving us the position of Senate President,” Akpabio stated.
Also speaking at the event, the host governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, emphasised the strategic importance of the South-South region to Nigeria.
He noted that the gathering marked a significant moment, as it was the first time the zone was coming together under one political party.
“Today is not just another political gathering; it is a declaration that the APC in the South-South is united, organised, and ready for the future,” he said.
Oborevwori added that the APC remains a structured and democratic party, urging members to strengthen unity, build party structures at all levels, and remain connected to the grassroots.
The highlight of the congress was the consensus election of a new South-South zonal executive, which saw the re-election of Chief Victor Giadom as National Vice Chairman for the region.
Other members elected into the executive include Dr. Ita Udosen (Zonal Secretary), Hon. Barr. Safugha Newword (Legal Adviser), Dr. Samuel Nwanosike (Publicity Secretary), Prince Koyoyo Uhrorho (Youth Leader), Hon. Sodangwuo Omoni (Women Leader), Hon. Prince Edward Ajang (Organising Secretary), and Prince Ayo Peter Olowojoba (Leader, People Living with Disability).