Akpabio, Okpebholo, Oborevwori, others plan highest votes for Tinubu

…as Okpebholo insists on 2.5m votes

By Bloomshire Nigeria

Leaders of the South-South geopolitical zone say they will deliver the highest votes for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Led by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at the Zonal Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Asaba, Delta State, they thanked the President and the party for supporting the zone to produce the Senate President about 45 years after such an opportunity last presented itself.

He said, “Now, Governor of Cross River State, you are no longer alone. All these achievements—bringing all these governors together in the South-South—were made possible by the steady, steadfast, and focused leadership of the party in the zone under Victor Giadom.

“So, the President said I should particularly thank the South-South. It is not a question of whether you are going to win in 2027, because you cannot be escorted by lions and still be afraid of goats.

“Now that we are complete and focused, the question then is: What quantum of votes will the South-South give to the APC?

“So, turn to the person beside you. 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.”

Further praising the President, Senator Akpabio said, “So, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the South-South is now recognised. We are at the table. You cannot have a brother at the table and come last. Can the South-South come last?

“So, we thank the APC for recognising the South-South and giving us the position of Senate President.”

In his remarks, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, thanked the Senate President for uniting the party in the zone, adding that it would count during the President’s re-election.

His words, “Our leader, the Senate President, has been able to unite the South-South region, and I believe that come 2027, the South-South will have a unified vote for Mr President. For us in Edo State, 2.5 million votes are already settled.”

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who stressed the zone’s importance in the country’s scheme of things, said, “South-South is very key to this nation, and this is the first time the region is coming together under one party.

“Today is not just another political gathering; it is a declaration that the APC in the 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 and local government, and stay firmly connected to the grassroots.”