Peaceful APC zonal congresses endorse Tinubu for re-election
By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Editor, Bolaji Ogundele, Linus Oota, Simon Utebor, Sanni Onogu, Abdulganiyu Alabelewe, Damian Durehmere, Emmanuel Badejo President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was yesterday endorsed by zonal congresses of
By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Editor, Bolaji Ogundele, Linus Oota, Simon Utebor, Sanni Onogu, Abdulganiyu Alabelewe, Damian Durehmere, Emmanuel Badejo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was yesterday endorsed by zonal congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for next year’s poll.
Across the six geo-political zones, the newly inaugurated zonal executive committees reiterated their loyalty for the party and vowed to mobilise mass support for the President’s re-election bid.
The zonal officers were re-elected by consensus during the peaceful congresses held in Lagos (Southwest), Asaba (Southsouth), Lafia (Northcentral), Gombe (Northeast), Kaduna (Northwest) and Enugu (Southeast).
The zonal congress is the final congress before the national convention which will hold on Saturday in Abuja. It will be attended by 7,200 delegates
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner Sanusi said the police are set for the APC convention and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday.
Kekemeke: Southwest will give highest votes to Tinubu
The Southwest should give the highest votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in next year’s poll, Zonal Leader, Dr. Isaacs Kekemeke said yesterday.
To achieve the objective, Kekemeke, who was re-elected as National Vice Chairman (Southwest) at the zonal congress held in Lagos, said the mobilisation has began a ross the six states.
Other zonal officers elected by consensus at the zonal congress held at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, were Femi Aluko (Secretary), Adeduyi Daramola, a lawyer, (Youth Leader), Dr. Lateef Ibirogba (Organising Secretary), Ayo Afolabi (Publicity Secretary), Ismail Majaro, a lawyer, (Legal Adviser), and Dayo Ishola (Representative of People with Disabilities).
‘Our duty is to to give overwhelming victory to President Tinubu. Let us stand on his mandate. We should cast the highest number of votes,” Kekemeke said.
He added that the zonal executive would cooperste with other party structures to mobilise the people of the six ststes for victory.
No fewer than broom-waving 1,398 accredited delegates in customised attires from Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun and Ekiti converged on the venue, singing and dancing.
Party elders, including former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo, Prince Oluyole Olusi, Chief Mutiu Are, and Cardinal James Odunmaku, joined Senate Leader Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) for the exercise supervised by Congress Committee Chairman, Jide Jimoh, a former member of the House of Representatives.
The host governor, Sanwo-Olu, who described President Tinubu as the number one Southwest delegate, said he is a leader who taught and made sure his followers learned.
Hailing the Southwest APC family for its resilience, he said the zonal party is the most formidable and forward looking.
Sanwo-Olu said the congress had legitimacy because it was conducted in conformity with the provisions of the Electoral Act and party guidelines.
He said:” APC is a party that follows the rules of engagement. The election was devoid of rancour.
The National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, who represented the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the unity of the zone should be sustained.
Jimoh said the congress was free and fair, adding that it was done in fidelity to the law.
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At the event were Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Ekiti Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, former Ekiti Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabi, Osun APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, Minister of State for Health Dr. Isiak Salako, Minister of Youth Ayo Senators Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, Jide Omoworare, Sarafa Alli, Gbenga Ashafa, Grillo Yusuf, Olorunnimbe Mamora, Tokunbo Abiru, Iyabo Obasanjo, Ayo Adeseun, and Musiliu Obanikoro; Presidential Aide Sunday Dare, Mrs. Ronke Okunsanya, Ekiti Physical Commissioner Karounwi Oladapo, Ekiti Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye, lawmaker Bose Olowookere, Efon Council Chairman Segun Afolabi, Ambassador Sola Iji, federal lawmakers Yeyesewa Kafilat Ogbara, James Faleke, Akin Rotimi, Olumide Osoba, and Kolawole Taiwo; Alex Kalejaye, Railway Managing Director Kayode Opeifa, Alake Adeyemo, Oyinlomo Danmole, Cornelius Ojelabi, Ajibade Oyekan, Jide Awe, Oyetunde Ojo, Ajibola Famurewa, Segun Adesegun, Fatai Ibikunle, Yinka Taiwo, Akin Oke, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Babajide Obanikoro, Bimbo Daramola, and Ayodele Adewale.
Southeast APC elects Arodiogbu as leader
A chieftain, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, was elected National Vice Chairman (Southeast) at the Hotel Presidential, Enugu.
The officers were elected by consensus in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who also chairs the Southeast Governors’ Forum, set the tone for the exercise, emphasising unity and progress within the party.
“We are here for our country. I bring you greetings from the leader of our great party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to assure you that Nigeria is moving forward and our economy is progressing.”
He added that the leadership of the party had agreed to conduct the congress through consensus.
“In line with Article 20.1 of our constitution, we have agreed to move our zonal congress by consensus. This is to ensure unity and allow our members to return home on time,” Uzodimma said.
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru moved a motion for the dissolution of the existing zonal executive. It was seconded by Senator Patrick Ndubueze from Imo State.
Following the dissolution, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, moved a motion presenting the list of consensus candidates for adoption.
He also moved two additional motions adopting the use of consensus as the mode of the congress in accordance with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, and ratifying the outcomes of ward, local government, and state congresses across the region.
The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Eugene Uchenna Ugwu, seconded the motions, which were overwhelmingly endorsed by delegates.
Other members of the zonal executive include Chief Innocent Itakpa Azuoba (Secretary); Rex Mayor Ogbonna (Llegal Adviser); Henry Onwughalaonye (Publicity Secretary); Chima Kenneth Ogbonnaya (Youth Leader); Dr. Stanley Nwachukwu (Leader for persons with disabilities); Dr. Oby Aji (Woman Leader); and Chief Arinze Ikedife (Organising Secretary).
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah described the congress as a demonstration of unity and strength within the APC in the Southeast.
He said: “APC in the Southeast is solid. Our presence here today is a testament to the fact that APC is Southeast and Southeast is APC.
“We have shamed the naysayers and critics who predicted implosion. After this congress, we will emerge stronger and more united as a party.”
Mbah also commended President Tinubu for his “audacious and expedient reforms,” noting that they have placed Nigeria on the path of economic growth.
At the congress were former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Deputy National Chairman (South) Chief Emma Eneukwu, Senators Osita Izunaso, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Uche Ekwunife, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Kelvin Chukwu, Osita Ngwu, Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiru Onyejeocha; former Minister Chris Ngige; and Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, and members of the House of Representatives and other key stakeholders.
Asaba: APC will wax stronger, says Giadom
In Asaba, capital of Delta State, party faithful elected Chuef Victor Giadom as National Vice Chairman (Southeast).
The congress, attended by top party leaders, governors, lawmakers and delegates from across the region, began with the dissolution of the outgoing zonal executive.
The motion was moved by the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, and seconded by his Bayelsa State counterpart, Abraham Ingobere.
A motion adopting consensus as the mode of electing new officers was moved by Senator Essien Williams from Cross River State and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey from Akwa Ibom North East.
It was unanimously adopted by all delegates.
At the end of the exercise, Dr. Ita Udosen was elected Zonal Secretary. Other officials include Neworld Safugha (Legal Adviser), Dr. Samuel Nwanosike (Publicity Secretary), Prince Urhoro Koyoyo (Youth Leader), Suobankuo Omoni (Women Leader), Prince Edward (Organising Secretary), and Prince Ayo Peter (Representative of Persons with Disabilities).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the zonal leadership for strengthening unity within the party.
He said the Southsouth had evolved into a growing political bloc, urging members to position the zone as the highest vote-delivering region for the APC in the 2027 general election.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described the congress as a demonstration of the party’s unity and readiness for future political contests, urging members to intensify grassroots mobilisation.
The Chairman of the Southsouth Governors’ Forum and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri said the adoption of consensus would reduce internal conflicts and foster collective ownership within the party.
He noted that the region was increasingly speaking with one voice.
Governors Umo Eno, Bassey Otu, Monday Okpebholo, and Siminalayi Fubara also stressed the need for alignment with the federal government.
Giadom expressed optimism about the party’s prospects and pledged to expand its influence in the region ahead of the 2027 elections.
The congress ended with a renewed commitment by party leaders to strengthen unity, deepen grassroots support and consolidate the APC’s presence in the region.
Fubara declared his confidence in the elected Southsouth officials, urging party members to support them.
He emphasised the need for unity to achieve a common purpose.
The governor, who said he had no doubt that the new party leaders would deliver for the APC,commended Delta State for hosting the congress.
Fubara said the responsibilities of the the new leaders of the party are tasking, but wished them well on their new assignments.
He said: “We will achieve our purpose when we are united and work together. We have the right people at the right place.
“My charge will be to those of us that were elected today. Their responsibilities will be very tasking. I believe strongly that they will deliver to our party. I wish all of you very well. I want to wish this state well for hosting us.”
He thanked President Tinubu and the APC for recognising the South-South zone after about 45 years in which the zone last had an opportunity to produce a Senate President.
He said the APC had treated the zone very well, adding that the people in the zone had equally reciprocated by joining the party Akpabio recalled how, in 2023, APC in South-South started with just one Governor, the Cross River State Governor, but now having in its fold all the six Governors 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.” 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.”
Lafia: Akume, Northcentral governors: we will deliver zones
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and the six APC governors in the Northcentral assured President Tinubu of the highest number of votes at the poll.
The assurance was given in Lafia during the APC Northcentral congress of the party where the previous executives, led by the Zonal Vice Chairman, Alhaji Mu’azu Bawa, were re-elected through a voice vote for another term.
Governors Hyachint Alia (Benue), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Usman Ododo (Kog)i, and Caleb Muftwang (Plateau) FCT APC leaders were at the congress.
Akume thanked the governors and stakeholders for honoring him as the political leader of the zone.
He said: “I thank you for honoring me as the leader of the Northcentral zone. It is not something I take likely. It is a set of responsibility and duty is to provide meaningful and purposeful direction.”
He said the zone should give the highest vote to the President during the poll
Akume urged those who have not registered to obtain their voter cards to enable them participate in the election.
He said: “For those of you who know how we took over the affairs of this country, we have every reason to celebrate President Tinubu, I have no doubt in my mind that based on what I have seen here, the unity of purpose, I have no doubt in my mind that when the votes are finally counted in 2027, Northcentral will provide the highest number of votes for Asiwaju”
Akume urged the governor’s to continue to mobilise.
He said: “Don’t rest sleep. You must continue to tour and sweat in all the states so that our victory is going to be huge, nobody will dispute our figures.”
The SGF moved the motion for the adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate for the 2027 election.
It was seconded by Governor Sule unbehalf of the governor.
The National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yiltdata, who was represented by the Deputy National Secretary, Prof Abdulkarime Kana, urged the zonal officers not to see their emergence as victory for a particular faction over another, but a call to service.
He said: “The NWC expects you to uphold unity, reach out to those feel aggrieved, thrive grassroots engagement, 2027 is around the corner and your work begins today” he said
In his acceptance speech, the National Vice Chairman (Northcentral), Alhaji Mu’azu Bawa, assured that he will continue to serve with dedication and commitment to the ideas of the party.
Kaduna: Sani defend Tinubu’s polices
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani defended the bold reforms embarked upon by the Tinubu administration, saying that they are bearing fruits.
He told delegates at the Northwest zonal congress in Kaduna that the exercise attested to the party’s internal cohesion and a reaffirmation of its democratic credentials.
Uba said APC is firmly rooted in participatory politics and grassroots legitimacy.
Sani said: “This Zonal Congress stands as a powerful affirmation of the APC’s identity as a truly democratic and grassroots-driven political party. Leadership within the party is freely chosen through transparent processes that respect the will of the people.”
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and his Zamfara counterpart, Dauda Lawal, Dauda Lawal, who recently defected to the party were at the congress
Sani, who personally welcomed the defectors, described their decision to join the APC as “momentous,” adding that it will significantly strengthen the party’s national outlook and deepen its influence across the North-West and beyond.
He said: “We receive you with open arms, in a spirit of unity, mutual respect, and shared destiny.”
To ease potential tensions between longstanding members and new me, the governor assured the stakeholders that the APC would operate on the principles of equality, fairness and shared opportunity, rather than hierarchy or seniority.
Sani added: “Whether you joined years ago or today, you stand on equal footing with all members. This is a party where commitment, contribution and conviction—not chronology—define relevance,” he added, drawing applause from delegates.
Party officers elected are Muhammad Datti Garba Babawo from Kaduna State (North-West Zonal Chairman), Hadiza Alhaji from Sokoto State (Zonal Woman Leader), Abdulhamid Umar Moh’d from Kano State (Zonal Youth Leader), Salisu Uba Tsafe from Zamfara State (Organising Secretary), Mailafiya Mada from Zamfara State (Publicity Secretary), Bashir Hussaini from Kano State (Legal Adviser), and Duste from Jigawa State (Legal Co-Adviser).
At the congress were Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajuddeen, governors from the North-West states, ministers and other key stakeholders.
Gombe: Shuaibu is Northeast leader
A lawyer, Idris Shuaibu, was elected as zonal leader at the Northeast congress in Gombe,capital of Gombe State.
The Chairman of the North-East Zonal Congress Committee, Simon Nguam, declared other zonal leaders as; Takfur Dauda (Legal Adviser), Nitte Amangal (Publicity Secretary), Joseph Mwandale (Youth Leader), Haruna Tata Budua (Leader of persons with disabilities (PWD), Hajiya Lumde Abubakar (Woman Leader), and Abubakar Adamu Musa (Organising Secretary).
The motion for the adoption of the consensus candidates was moved by former Senate President Ahmed Lawal and seconded by House of Representatives Chief Whip,Usman Bello Kumo.
Delegates affirmed them through a voice vote.
Yobe State Governor and Chairman of the APC National Reconciliation Committee, Mai Mala Buni, described the North-East as a stronghold of the party and a model for peaceful internal democracy.
Buni said the congress was in line with the party’s constitutional provisions for electing zonal officers, hailing stakeholders for adopting consensus during ward, local government, and state congresses in the zone.
He described that the Northeast as a major stakeholder in national politics, recalling that the region produced the first Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The governor urged party members to sustain unity ahead of the 2027 general election and mobilise support for the President and other APC candidates.
At the congress were governors of Gombe, Yobe, Adamawa, Borno and Taraba states, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Senator Shehu Buba, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Senator Ahmed Lawal, and Senator Ali Modu Sherif.
