BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has challenged the South-South geo-political zone to deliver the highest votes for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027 general elections.
He said such overwhelming support is necessary because the APC has treated the zone very well with the people equally reciprocating the gesture by joining the ruling party
Senator Akpabio, who threw the challenge on Wednesday at the All Progressives Congress(APC) South-South Zonal Congress in Asaba, Delta State, appreciated President Tinubu and the APC for supporting the Zone to produce the Senate President about 45 years after such an opportunity last presented itself.
At the event attended by Governors from all the six States in the Zone, Senator Akpabio recalled how APC started in 2023 with just one State, Cross River, across the Niger Delta region, but noted that Zone is now completely APC
He said: “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.”
Further pouring encomiums on the President, Senator Akpabio said: ” 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.”
In his remarks at the occasion, 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 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.”
Meanwhile, the event highlights were election by consensus of the Party’s new Zonal executives with Chief Victor Giadom re-elected as National Vice Chairman, South-South
Also elected as part of the new executives are: Dr Ita Udosen (Zonal Secretary), Hon. Barr. Safugha Newword (Legal Adviser), Dr Samuel Nwanosike (Publicity Secretary), and Prince Koyoyo Uhrorho (Youth Leader).
Others on board the new Exco include Hon. Sodangwuo Omoni (Women Leader), Prince Ayo Peter Olowojoba (Leader People Living with Disability), and Hon. Prince Edward Ajang (Organising Secretary)
