Governor Bassey Otu has declared that the South-South region is now firmly aligned with the centre, describing the political shift as a major milestone for the zone.
Speaking at the South-South Zonal Congress of the All Progressives Congress in Asaba, Delta State, Otu said he was “the happiest governor in the zone,” having achieved his objective of linking the region to the federal power structure.
“I stand here today as the happiest governor in the zone. I have achieved my main objective, which is to ensure that the South-South keys into the centre of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
He stressed that the region must no longer be excluded from national decision-making despite its economic contributions, noting that the growing unity within the zone signals readiness for greater political relevance.
“We cannot be the zone that lays the golden egg and then be absent where decisions are made. Today, we feel the energy here and know that the South-South is one and ready,” Otu added.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, stating that alignment with the Federal Government would bring greater benefits to the region.
“It would have been difficult for us if we were not in this boat. Together, we are building a new Nigeria where everyone will be proud to belong,” he said, while urging unity among party faithful and accountability from those elected at the congress.
Earlier, the outgoing Zonal Chairman and National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, said the congress marked a renewed commitment to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections and rebuilding its social contract with the people.
He noted that although the APC initially controlled only Cross River State in the zone after the 2023 elections, its fortunes have since improved through strategic leadership and political realignments involving key figures such as Siminalayi Fubara.
Giadom attributed the party’s growing success in the region to the leadership of Governor Otu and other stakeholders, saying, “Following the outstanding performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the zone, the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, working with the Senate President and other leaders, has significantly improved the fortunes of our party in the South-South.”
He expressed confidence that the party has become “united and formidable enough” to secure victory in 2027, crediting the leadership of President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Otu, and others for the progress recorded, while highlighting gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
At the end of the day, Giadom was re-elected National Vice Chairman (South-South), alongside other zonal executives 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.
