Ahead of its national convention, the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday conducted zonal congresses across the six geopolitical zones, producing new executives. and reinforcing support for President Bola Tinubu as the 2027 general election draws closer.
The congresses serve as a prelude to the party’s national convention scheduled for March 27 and 28 in Abuja.
At the various venues, consensus backed by voice votes was adopted, producing a mix of returning and newly elected officials.
Tinubu Returns to Abuja Ahead of Convention
Ahead of the convention, Tinubu returned to Abuja on Wednesday evening after observing Eid-el-Fitr in Lagos.
The President had earlier returned from the United Kingdom, where he undertook a state visit. During his stay in Lagos, he met with 23 governors, business leaders, including Aliko Dangote, a European Union delegation, and members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council.
His return, alongside the successful conduct of the congresses, signalled the party’s readiness for the national gathering.
South-West backs Tinubu, Re-elects Kekemeke
In the South-West, the congress held at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium returned Isaacs Kekemeke as National Vice Chairman for the zone.
Other executives emerged through consensus, with party leaders describing the exercise as free and fair.
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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of APC governors in the region, said the outcome demonstrated unity and strength within the bloc.
Kekemeke expressed confidence that the party would deliver overwhelming votes for Tinubu in the zone in 2027, while also urging support for APC’s Osun governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
South-South Vows Stronger Showing in 2027
In the South-South, Victor Giadom emerged as zonal chairman at the congress held in Asaba, Delta State.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the region had grown from limited APC presence to a major political force and challenged members to make it the highest vote-delivering zone in 2027.
Governors in the region, including Sheriff Oborevwori and Douye Diri, emphasised grassroots mobilisation and unity as critical to the party’s success.
South-East Adopts Consensus, Calls for Unity
In the South-East, a new executive led by Ijeoma Arodiogbu emerged at the congress in Enugu.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma stressed the need for unity, while Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah described the congress as proof of growing cohesion within the party in the region.
Party leaders adopted consensus in line with provisions of the Electoral Act, ratifying earlier congresses at ward, local government, and state levels.
North-West, North-East emphasise unity and mobilisation
In the North-West, Garba Babao emerged as zonal chairman at the Kaduna congress attended by top party leaders, including House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
Sani called for unity, describing the exercise as a reflection of the party’s grassroots strength, and defended Tinubu’s reforms, citing improvements in key sectors.
The North-East congress in Gombe produced Idris Shuaibu as zonal vice chairman, with party leaders urging members to maintain unity and intensify mobilisation ahead of the next election cycle.
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni said the zone had sustained internal democracy and peaceful processes, contributing to the APC’s growth.
North-Central Adopts Tinubu as Sole Candidate
In the North-Central, the congress held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, adopted Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for 2027.
The motion was moved by George Akume and seconded by Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, citing the administration’s economic reforms.
APC leaders commended the zone for its loyalty, describing it as a pillar of support for the party ahead of the convention.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
