Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri backs APC’s consensus model, praises South-South unity and signals strong support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid
Diri Backs APC Consensus Model, South-South Leaders Unite for
Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s adoption of a consensus method for electing party officials, describing it as a strategic move to strengthen unity and position the party for victory in the 2027 general elections.
Diri made the remarks on Wednesday at the APC South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah.
Reflecting on past political contests, the governor said the consensus model marks a significant shift from the rancorous delegate system that once dominated party primaries.
“I like to align myself with the previous speakers on the unity of the South-South zone. In this region politically, the South-South now speaks with one voice. This is important because of the strategic nature of the zone.”
He recalled that during the 2019 governorship elections, party primaries were often fraught with tension due to delegate-based voting.
“If you are not on the sharing table, in terms of decision-making process, you will be left behind. We need to be united that we will not allow petty divisions among us.”
Diri urged party members to close ranks and protect the APC’s growing influence in the region.
“Let us work together for the unity and protection of APC in the South-South and God willing, all our candidates will come out tops in the 2027 elections. There cannot be anything better than a united family.”
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering internal party stability.
“Political events such as elective congresses like this were usually filled with rancour and violence. But, today, we have adopted the consensus model to produce our party executives from the wards to the regional level.”
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, praised the outgoing National Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom, for his role in bringing governors in the region under the APC umbrella.
“The governors of the South-South zone coming together in the APC was made possible by Chief Giadom. I congratulate you and your team for what you have done.”
Akpabio expressed optimism that the region would play a decisive role in the 2027 elections.
“Now that we are complete and focused, we will be the geo-political zone in Nigeria that will turn out the highest votes in 2027 for President Tinubu.”
He also highlighted the region’s political gains under the current administration.
“In the last 46 years or so, our region had not produced a senate president. But under President Tinubu, the South-South region is recognised.”
The host governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside governors from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Cross River states, echoed calls for unity and pledged support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.
All the governors reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising support for the APC and ensuring victory in upcoming elections.
At the congress, Victor Giadom was returned as the APC South-South Zonal Chairman alongside seven other executives, reinforcing continuity in the party’s regional leadership.
The motion for the dissolution of the outgoing zonal executive was moved by Emomotimi Guwor and seconded by Abraham Ingobere.
In his remarks, Giadom described the gathering of governors, lawmakers, ministers, and stakeholders as a strong signal of unity and determination.
the meeting was “an indication of the zone’s commitment to return all APC candidates in next year’s poll.”
With growing alignment across the South-South, the APC appears to be consolidating its political base ahead of 2027, banking on unity and consensus to avoid internal divisions and strengthen its electoral chances. Read More
