By George Mgbeleke

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South South geo-political zone, on Saturday rose from its Stakeholders Meeting in Benin City, Edo State and unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the four incumbent Governors of the party as sole candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The Stakeholders also unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and members of the Zonal Working Committee for their commitment to the growth and success of the party.

The position of the zone was contained in a communique read by the Zonal chairman, Victor Gaidom, after the meeting.

The Zonal Stakeholders also commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike for his unalloyed support for the administration of President Tinubu, with his spectacular performance in Abuja.

Earlier in his address, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said that under the President Bola Tinubu-led Renewed Hope administration, the South South geo-political zone was no longer an afterthought in national development.

He also rallied the zone to support the President Tinubu Renewed Agenda and ensure that he is returned to office in 2027, saying,”let us bury division and rally behind the APC, the only party with the structure, vision, and leadership to transform Nigeria.

“Let us support President Tinubu—not just in words, but in mobilizing our people, enlightening our communities, and defending our future. As 2027 beckons, we should understand the times and know and do what all Nigerians should do: support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete his transformation of our country.

“We must prepare ourselves for the coming elections with unity, strategy, and grassroots engagement. The task ahead is not merely political—it is generational. It is about securing a better life for our children, peace in our communities, and prosperity in our region.

Akpabio, who is the Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the south south stated this on Saturday, in his speech tittled: United Vision: Advancing South-South Progress Under President BolaTinubu.”

Akpabio said, “Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the South-South is no longer an afterthought in national development. The landmark Coastal Highway Project, which runs from Lagos through Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and terminating in Calabar, is not only a symbol of visionary leadership but also an economic game-changer.

He noted further that, “for the first time in our history, this strategic highway will open up the economic corridors of the Niger Delta, boost inter-state commerce, facilitate tourism, and provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs to our people. This is the kind of infrastructure that connects dreams to opportunities. It is a promise fulfilled and a legacy in motion.

“President Tinubu’s administration has continued the rehabilitation of the East-West Road, critical to the daily lives of millions in this region. The Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway line is being revived, bringing renewed hope to abandoned communities.

“In the energy sector, efforts are being made to harness the full potential of the Gas Revolution Industrial Park in Delta State and the ongoing development of modular refineries to ensure that the Niger Delta begins to benefit more directly from its resources.

“We are also witnessing bold reforms in the oil and gas sector, such as the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which guarantees greater participation of host communities and improved transparency in revenue allocation.”

Akpabio described the south south region as “the torchbearers of the South-South, the vanguard of the All Progressives Congress in a region that holds the economic spine of our nation adding, ” we are meeting at a time when the promises of democracy are gradually taking firm root in our region, not merely as aspirations but as visible, tangible realities. And for this, we must all pause to appreciate and commend the focused leadership and unwavering commitment of our President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

Speaking further, Akpabio stated that, “in the area of education, the administration has approved the take-off of federal institutions across the region—ensuring access to quality education and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

“In addition, social investment programs are being recalibrated to reach more vulnerable Nigerians, while the Presidential CNG Initiative promises cleaner, cheaper fuel alternatives for transportation, directly impacting our urban and riverine economies.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, transformation is not built only on structures—it is built on strategy. The Tinubu administration has unveiled strategic programs designed to turn potential into performance.

“Let me close with this: the South-South has waited long for inclusive development. Today, we are witnessing it unfold. But we must not be weary in well-doing. With sustained support, vigilance, and unity, the Renewed Hope Agenda will blossom into renewed lives for our people.

“Together, let us ensure that the APC remains the party of progress, the party of justice, and the party of the people.

“Thank you, and may God bless the South-South, our great party, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”