The All Progressive Congress (APC) governors and leaders of the party in the South-South region have announced the reasons for endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, reports Business TodayNG
According to them, reforms currently underway in Nigeria, including the student loan initiative and the exemption of low-income earners from tax payments and other key achievements of the current administration necessitated their resolve to fully backed his presidential ambition in 2027 for him to continue his Renewed Hope Agenda in 2027 to solidify his developmental strides and put the country on the path of continuous growth.
The South-South governors and leaders of the ruling party made this disclosure during the APC’s stakeholders interactive session held in Benin City, Edo State, on Saturday, 28 July, 2025.
According to the statement signed and made available to newsmen by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s media aide, Fred Itua, various prominent figures extolled the leadership qualities of Tinubu
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 was the former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva; the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa; the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; the Secretary to Edo State Government, 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.
The speakers also n passed a vote of confidence in both Okpebholo and Tinubu, just bas they also highlighted various reforms currently underway in Nigeria, In While speaking at the august occasion, Edo state governor 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,” he said just as he also heaped praises on Tinubu, describing him as a “capacity working president”, who has made “necessary requirements available for us to operate seamlessly.”
Okpebholo also highlighted the president’s “critical reforms” aimed at moving Nigeria forward, noting that “things you think are difficult are made easy through his policies.”
The governor, who lauded Tinubu’s courage in making tough decisions that have ultimately proven to be beneficial for the nation’s development and growth, also reiterated his earlier pledge to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in Edo State in 2027.
While dismissing skepticism from opposition parties, he added, “How will it not happen when I am already working, constructing good roads?”
He cited the ongoing construction of roads linking eight communities in Uhunmwonde, including that of the immediate-past governor, Godwin Obaseki which he claimed 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.”
“They seized the economy of the nation. They seized petrol. They seized everything to frustrate him, yet he won the election.” Okpebholo stated, while recalling the challenges faced by Tinubu during his initial presidential bid.
While pledging his strong support for Tinubu, thye governor cited 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,” the governor said.
