The All Progressive Congress (APC) in the South-South region has publicly urged President Bola Tinubu to consider running for re-election in the 2027 presidential race. This appeal was articulated in a communiqué jointly signed by the APC Congress South-South Zonal Executive following a meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday.
The communiqué expressed commendation for President Tinubu’s policies, projects, and programs, highlighting the economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country. The committee emphasized its steadfast support for the Tinubu administration’s initiatives in good governance, economic reforms, national security, and infrastructural development.
President Tinubu’s administration has been marked by significant economic decisions, including the termination of petrol subsidies announced on May 29, 2023. This decision contributed to a notable rise in Nigeria’s headline inflation, which soared to 33.95 percent in May, according to the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The report detailed that, on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.54 percentage points higher than the 22.41 percent recorded in May 2023.
Furthermore, the NBS report disclosed that food inflation in May 2024 stood at 40.66 percent on a year-on-year basis, a significant increase of 15.84 percentage points compared to the 24.82 percent recorded in May 2023. Despite the rising inflation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented several money-tightening policies, which have drawn criticism from the World Bank. Additionally, the apex bank has introduced various tax policies aimed at boosting revenue.
Compounding the economic challenges, the Federal Government is currently engaged in negotiations with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over a new minimum wage. The government has proposed a minimum wage of N62,000, which has been met with resistance from labor unions.
The APC South-South committee also lauded President Tinubu for his dedication to the coastal road project, noting the commencement of construction from both ends. This project is seen as a crucial infrastructure development for the region.
In their communiqué, the committee announced the formation of a reconciliation committee in the South-South region, to be chaired by Senator Bassey Out, the Coordinator of the South-South geo-political zone. This initiative aims to bridge any existing gaps, foster collaboration, and work towards a unified goal of strengthening the party’s presence and influence in the region.
The committee further resolved to mobilize party assets to secure more states, with a particular focus on the upcoming elections in Edo State as a critical test case. They emphasized the importance of the e-registration program for the APC, aiming to create the necessary awareness to promote inclusivity, participation, and a sense of ownership within the party.
Additionally, the committee expressed confidence in the leadership of Senate President Dr. Godswill Akpabio, endorsing him as the Leader of the APC in the zone. They also affirmed their support for Victor Giadom and the zonal executive members of the party.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for all party members, urging them to actively engage in the efforts to rebuild and strengthen the APC in the South-South region. The communiqué underscored the need for collective action and unity to enhance the party’s influence and success in future elections.
