Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no political rival in the South-South ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Akpabio made the declaration on Thursday, 12 November 2026, during the APC presidential campaign rally at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.
The Senate President, who described the South-South as his political zone, said all states in the region were now controlled by the APC and expressed confidence that the zone would outperform other geopolitical zones in votes for Tinubu’s re-election.
“2027 is over, all the states in the South-South are now APC.
“This is my zone, and we resolve in this zone that no other zone in Nigeria will beat this zone. We will vote massively for President Tinubu come January 16, 2027.
“President Tinubu has no competitor in the whole of the South-South,” Akpabio said.
He also commended the Tinubu administration for its infrastructure and security interventions in the region, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and ongoing security initiatives in Edo State.
Akpabio further highlighted the recruitment of forest guards and the establishment of additional security formations as measures expected to strengthen security across the state.
Also speaking at the rally, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, pledged that the state would deliver 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
“What we are promising President Tinubu is 2.5 million votes. Things are set in Edo State.
“Our 2.5 million votes are not negotiable. They are already settled, and that is the truth,” Okpebholo declared.
The governor attributed his confidence to what he described as the achievements of his administration in infrastructure, security, urban renewal and workers’ welfare.
He cited ongoing road construction, improvements in security, the development of markets and schools, as well as the regular payment of salaries and pensions as areas his administration would showcase during the election campaign.
Okpebholo also urged APC members and supporters to mobilise their families, friends and associates to support Tinubu and other party candidates in the forthcoming elections.
The rally was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, APC Presidential Campaign Council Director-General Abdulaziz Yari and other party leaders.
