From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and leaders of the party in the South South have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term of office.
The position of the South South governors and leaders of the ruling party was made known during APC’s stakeholders’ interactive session held in Benin City, Edo State, on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The event witnessed various prominent figures extolling the leadership qualities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and throwing their weight behind him to continue his Renewed Hope Agenda in 2027 to solidify his developmental strides and put the country on the path of continuous growth.
Prominent speakers at the event included Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, representing Edo North senatorial district; Hon. Abubakar Momoh, the Minister for Regional Development; the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, who spoke on behalf of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.
Also at the event were the former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva; the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku; the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon Dennis Idahosa; the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; the Secretary to Edo State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor; the APC National Woman Leader, Mary Idele Alile; the Chairman of APC in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe; and Edo South leader, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Collectively, the various speakers passed a vote of confidence in both Governor Monday Okpebholo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They highlighted various reforms currently underway in Nigeria, including the student loan initiative and the exemption of low-income earners from tax payments, as key achievements of the current administration.
In his speech, Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed his gratitude to his fellow governors, emphasising the unprecedented unity displayed by their gathering in Benin City.
“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.”
Governor Okpebholo heaped praise on President Tinubu, describing him as a “capacity working president” who has made “necessary requirements available for us to operate seamlessly.”
He highlighted the President’s “critical reforms” aimed at moving Nigeria forward, noting that “things you think are difficult are made easy through his policies.”
Okpebholo lauded Tinubu’s courage in making tough decisions that have ultimately proven to be beneficial for the nation’s development and growth.
The Governor reiterated his earlier pledge to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in Edo State in 2027. Dismissing scepticism from opposition parties, he asserted, “How will it not happen when I am already working, constructing good roads?”
He cited the ongoing construction of roads linking eight communities in Uhunmwode, including that of the immediate-past governor, Godwin Obaseki, which was neglected for eight years. “If the president is not behind us, such development cannot happen,” Okpebholo affirmed, declaring that “2027 is settled in Edo State as a way to pay him back” for his support.
Recalling the challenges faced by President Tinubu during his initial presidential bid, Governor Okpebholo stated, “They seized the economy of the nation. They seized petrol. They seized everything to frustrate him, yet he won the election.”
He reiterated his strong support for President Tinubu, citing the ongoing road constructions across the country and various economic reforms as evidence of the President’s “big heart” and love for Nigeria. “Anywhere he goes, we go,” he stressed.