Akpabio urges south-south to deliver massive votes for Tinubu’s re-election
From Sanni Onogu, Abuja President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on the people of the South-South geo-political zone to deliver overwhelming support for the re-election of President Bola
From Sanni Onogu, Abuja
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on the people of the South-South geo-political zone to deliver overwhelming support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Akpabio made the appeal on Wednesday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, Delta State, which was attended by governors from all six states in the region.
He commended Tinubu and the APC leadership for recognising the South-South, noting that it had been about 45 years since the zone last produced a Senate President.
According to him, the party has treated the region fairly, a gesture he said had been reciprocated by increased support and defections into the APC.
Akpabio also recalled that in 2023, the APC had only one governor in the South-South—Cross River State—but has since expanded its influence to include all six states in the zone.
"Now Governor of Cross River State, you are no longer alone. All these achievements, to have all these Governors coming together in the South-South was made possible by the fact that the Zonal leadership of the party under Victor Giadom has been steady, steadfast and focus.
"So the President said l should particularly thank the South-South. It is not whether you are going to win in 2027, because you cannot be escorted by lions and you become afraid of goats.
"Now that we are complete and we are focused, the question then will be: What quantum of votes will the South-South give to the APC?
"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.
"APC has treated us very well and we have reciprocated by joining the party. Imagine the last time we had a Senate President from this zone, Joseph Wayas, 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. Can South-South carry last? So we thank the APC for recognising the South-South and giving us this position of the Senate President," Akpabio said.
Also speaking at the commencement of the programme, the host Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State spoke of the importance of the zone when he said that "South-South is very key to this nation and this is the first time the South-South is coming together under one party.
"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.
"We have demonstrated that the APC remains the most structured and democratic Party in Nigeria. We must continue to deepen our unity, strengthen our structures in every ward, local government and stay firmly connected to the grassroots."
The highpoint of the event was the election, by consensus, the new South-South Zonal executive of the Party which saw the re-election of Chief Victor Giadom as the South-South National Vice Chairman.
Other members of the new executive are: 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).
