South-South APC Leaders Rally Behind Tinubu, Embrace Consensus Politics

Governor Douye Diri has endorsed the consensus method of selecting party officials within the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a key tool for promoting unity and strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Diri made the remarks on Wednesday during the APC South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, where party leaders gathered to consolidate their political strategy in the region.

The Bayelsa governor, who also chairs the South-South Governors Forum, expressed satisfaction with what he described as growing political cohesion in the region under the APC. He stressed that unity was essential for the South-South to remain relevant in national decision-making.

Reflecting on past political contests, Diri noted that delegate-based primaries often led to disputes and tensions but said the adoption of consensus arrangements has helped reduce conflict within the party.

He urged party members to avoid internal divisions and work collectively to ensure the APC’s success in future elections, adding that a united political front would position the region to achieve greater influence at the national level.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, also commended party leaders in the region, particularly former National Vice Chairman Victor Giadom, for strengthening the APC’s presence across the South-South.

Akpabio praised the growing alignment among governors in the region, expressing confidence that the South-South would deliver strong electoral support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections. He also highlighted what he described as increased recognition of the region under Tinubu’s administration, including the emergence of a Senate President from the South-South.

Governors from across the region; including Sheriff Oborevwori and their counterparts from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Cross River, echoed calls for unity, pledging to work collectively toward securing Tinubu’s re-election bid.

At the congress, Giadom was re-elected as the APC South-South Zonal Chairman alongside other members of the zonal executive committee, following the dissolution of the previous leadership.

In his acceptance remarks, Giadom described the large turnout of governors, lawmakers, ministers, and party stakeholders as a sign of renewed commitment to the APC’s goals in the region, particularly ahead of the next electoral cycle.