Giadom Re-elected Zonal Chairman
Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has said the adoption of a consensus approach in electing party officials by the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains a potent strategy for fostering unity and strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Diri made the assertion on Wednesday during the APC South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba.
The Bayelsa governor, who also chairs the South-South Governors Forum, expressed satisfaction with the growing political cohesion in the region under the APC, noting that the South-South now speaks with one voice. He emphasised the importance of unity for the region to remain relevant in national decision-making processes.
Reflecting on past political contests, Diri recalled that delegate-based primaries often bred tension and division. He, however, noted that the shift to consensus building had significantly reduced rancour within the party.
“I align with previous speakers on the need for unity in the South-South. The region must remain united given its strategic importance. If you are not part of the decision-making process, you risk being sidelined,” he said.
Diri urged party members to avoid internal divisions and work collectively towards electoral success in 2027, adding that a united APC stood a better chance of producing winning candidates across the region.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as remarkable achievements, noting that the consensus model had brought peace to party congresses traditionally marred by disputes.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, praised the outgoing zonal leadership, particularly Victor Giadom, for efforts in uniting political leaders across the region under the APC. Akpabio expressed delight at Diri’s alignment with the party, describing the governor as a calm and admirable leader. He further assured that the South-South would deliver massive votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
“For the first time in decades, the South-South has produced the Senate President. This shows that the region is now fully recognised at the national level,” Akpabio stated.
The host governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside governors from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Cross River States, echoed calls for unity and pledged their support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
All the governors unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising support for the APC and ensuring victory for the party in the next general elections.
At the congress, Giadom was returned as the APC South-South Zonal Chairman alongside seven other executives, in a process conducted through consensus.
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, moved the motion for the dissolution of the outgoing zonal executive, which was seconded by his Bayelsa counterpart, Abraham Ingobere. In his acceptance remarks, Giadom described the gathering of governors, lawmakers, ministers, and stakeholders as a clear demonstration of the region’s resolve to ensure the success of all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.