Politics
2027: Umo Eno Attends With Strong Delegation As South-South Adopts Tinubu, Grants Govs Automatic Tickets
decision was captured in a communiqué issued
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South region have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The meeting also approved automatic return tickets for the incumbent APC Governors of Akwa Ibom, Edo, Delta, and Cross River States.
This decision was captured in a communiqué issued at the end of a well-attended South-South Stakeholders Meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, with the theme: “Renewed Hope in Action: Strengthening APC Mobilization and Governance in the South-South.”
The motion for the adoption of the communiqué was moved by the Leader of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and seconded by former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole.
Reading the 10-point communiqué, APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Victor Giadom, said the endorsement of President Tinubu was in recognition of his uncommon commitment to the region, evidenced by the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President, the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, and the execution of landmark infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
The communiqué also passed a Vote of Confidence on President Tinubu, the Senate President, the four APC Governors in the region, and the Zonal Working Committee. It noted that for the first time in many years, the South-South was no longer treated as an afterthought in national planning and execution.
Stakeholders called on the two non-APC Governors in Bayelsa and Rivers States, along with their supporters, to join the progressive fold and contribute to the region’s development under the APC.
In his remarks, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who was attending his first APC South-South Stakeholders Meeting, expressed delight at the warm reception and pledged total commitment to the party.
“I did not come alone. I came with a strong delegation of stakeholders to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the party. In Akwa Ibom, we are running an Akwa Ibom United policy. Governance is across party lines, and we are working to deliver victory for President Tinubu, the Senate President, our Governor, and all APC candidates,” he said.
He added: “Akwa Ibom is moving. The train has left the station. We will continue to work with everyone for the progress of our people and ensure we speak with one voice.”
Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the region to rally behind President Tinubu, while highlighting key initiatives and projects of the administration that are transforming the South-South. He called on stakeholders to mobilize support at the grassroots to strengthen the party.
In his remarks, the Acting National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Ali Dalori, commended the leadership of the party in the zone and formally welcomed Governor Umo Eno into the APC fold.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Governors of Cross River and Edo States, as well as the Deputy Governor of Delta State.
The high-level gathering was attended by serving and former Senators, Members of the House of Representatives and State Assemblies, Ministers, and other key stakeholders from across the South-South region.
