ASABA/Nigeria: In a decisive show of unity and strategic recalibration, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South on Wednesday elected a new Zonal Executive Committee at a high-powered congress in Asaba, Delta State, setting an ambitious tone for regional dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The congress, marked by rare unanimity among party stakeholders, seamlessly adopted a consensus-based process to install new leaders, a move widely interpreted as a deliberate effort to eliminate internal divisions and strengthen the party’s political machinery across the six states of the zone.
Proceedings began with the formal dissolution of the outgoing Zonal Executive Committee, a motion moved by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and seconded by the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere. The motion received unanimous endorsement from delegates.
In a similar vein, the adoption of consensus as the method for electing new executives was moved by Senator Essien Williams of Cross River State and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, a proposal that was also unanimously ratified.
At the end of the exercise, Chief Victor Giadom emerged as National Vice Chairman (South-South), securing a return to office, alongside other members of the zonal executive including Dr. Ita Udosen as Secretary, Barr. Neworld Safugha as Legal Adviser, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike as Publicity Secretary, Prince Urhoro Koyoyo as Youth Leader, Hon. Suobankuo Omoni as Women Leader, Hon. Prince Edward as Organising Secretary, and Prince Ayo Peter as representative of Persons with Disabilities.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended the South-South for what he described as its “remarkable journey” from a region with minimal APC presence to an emerging political stronghold.
He challenged party stakeholders to consolidate these gains by ensuring the South-South becomes the highest vote-delivering zone for the APC in the 2027 elections, noting that such ambition was both realistic and imperative for the party’s national outlook.
Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who hosted the congress, described the gathering as a clear demonstration of the APC’s strength, unity, and preparedness for future electoral contests. He urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilization, deepen internal harmony, and strengthen party structures across all levels.
Also speaking, Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, said the adoption of consensus had significantly reduced internal friction and enhanced collective ownership among party members. He noted that the presence of governors across the region underscored a shared commitment to unity and regional progress.
Other governors in attendance, including Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Bassey Otu of Cross River, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, echoed calls for stronger alignment between the region and the Federal Government, stressing that such synergy would accelerate development and political stability.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Victor Giadom expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for their support during his previous tenure, highlighting what he described as significant milestones, including electoral gains and expanding political influence across the South-South.
In his acceptance speech, Giadom pledged to build on existing achievements, expressing confidence that the APC would further consolidate its presence in the region and record greater successes in the 2027 general elections
The congress attracted members of the National Assembly, state legislators, ministers, top government officials, and key party stakeholders, culminating in a renewed commitment to unity, grassroots expansion, and the consolidation of the APC’s growing political footprint in the South-South.
