Senate President Akpabio Calls on South-South to Lead in Votes for Tinubu in 2027
In a significant political address, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged the South-South geopolitical zone to deliver the highest number of votes for President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This call was made during the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South zonal congress held in Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with governors from all six states in the region in attendance.
Challenging Party Members to Mobilize and Outperform
Akpabio directly challenged APC members in the South-South to mobilize massively and ensure that the region outperforms all other zones in voter turnout for the party. "So, turn to the person by your side. Challenge the person. Say we will give the highest votes among the six zones in Nigeria. We will give the highest," he declared. He emphasized that the region has benefited from the APC-led administration and stressed the importance of reciprocating this support through electoral loyalty, as reported by The Cable.
Recognition of South-South's Political Significance
The Senate President highlighted the recognition given to the South-South under President Tinubu's administration, noting that it is the first time in about 45 years, since the era of Joseph Wayas, that the region has produced a Senate President. "Imagine the last time we had a senate president from this zone… about 45 years ago. So under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the South-South is now recognised. We are on the table. You cannot have a brother on the table, and you go and carry last," Akpabio stated. He also pointed out the political shift in the region, recalling that the APC previously controlled only one state but now has all six governors aligned with the party, according to Vanguard.
Governor Oborevwori Emphasizes Unity and Future Readiness
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, speaking at the event, described the South-South as crucial to Nigeria's political future and underscored the importance of unity within the APC. "South-South is very key to this nation, and this is the first time the South-South is coming together under one party," he said. "Today is not just another political gathering. It is a declaration that the APC in South-South is united, organised and ready for the future." The congress also featured the election of new APC South-South zonal executives through a consensus process, with Victor Giadom re-elected as the party's National Vice-Chairman for the zone.
Grassroots Mobilization and Future Preparations
Party leaders at the congress called for sustained grassroots mobilization and the strengthening of party structures in preparation for the 2027 elections. This move aims to build a robust framework to support President Tinubu's re-election bid and ensure the South-South plays a pivotal role in the political landscape. The event marked a strategic effort to consolidate support and foster regional cohesion ahead of the critical electoral period.
