2027: South-South govs, APC stalwarts back Tinubu for second term

Governors and top figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Nigeria’s South-South region have publicly thrown their support behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office.

This endorsement came during an APC stakeholders’ interactive meeting held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.

According to a statement released by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, the event brought together influential political leaders who praised President Tinubu’s leadership and pledged their support for the continuation of his “Renewed Hope Agenda” in 2027.

The statement emphasized the President’s developmental efforts and commitment to advancing national progress.

Among the key figures who addressed attendees were Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), Minister of Regional Development Hon. Abubakar Momoh, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu, who spoke on behalf of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.

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Also in attendance were former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva; NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; Edo State Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to the Edo State Government Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor; APC National Woman Leader Mary Idele Alile; and Edo APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe.

The statement noted that the gathering culminated in a unanimous vote of confidence in both Governor Okpebholo and President Tinubu. Speakers highlighted recent reforms implemented under Tinubu’s administration, including the introduction of a student loan program and the removal of tax obligations for low-income earners, as significant achievements.

Governor Okpebholo, in his address, thanked his colleagues for their unity and support, describing the event as a landmark moment.

“This is the first time we are seeing unity among the governors coming together in a single room to discuss the progress of this country,” he remarked.

He praised President Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “capacity working president” and crediting him for creating an enabling environment for governance.

The governor pointed to several of Tinubu’s reforms as instrumental in driving national development, saying, “things you think are difficult are made easy through his policies.”

He reaffirmed his earlier commitment to securing 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in Edo State during the 2027 elections. Responding to critics, he said, “How will it not happen when I am already working, constructing good roads?”

Okpebholo also mentioned the construction of roads across eight communities in Uhunmwonde, including a neglected area linked to former governor Godwin Obaseki. He stated, “If the president is not behind us, such development cannot happen,” and concluded that “2027 is settled in Edo State as a way to pay him back” for his support.

Reflecting on the challenges Tinubu faced during his initial presidential campaign, Okpebholo said, “They seized the economy of the nation. They seized petrol. They seized everything to frustrate him, yet he won the election.”

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the president, citing infrastructure development and reform initiatives as clear signs of Tinubu’s dedication to national progress. “Anywhere he goes, we go,” he declared.