By Jacob Ajom

South South zone All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and elder statesman, Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh, has reaffirmed the party’s caucus decision to solidly back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Speaking after the APC South-South Stakeholders summit in Benin last Saturday, Udoh emphasized that the decision to support Tinubu was not born out of selfish desire but a move to strengthen the country’s unity and sustain the fledgling democracy. Udoh stated his commitment to democracy, saying, “I paid dearly to enthrone democracy, and I will not be part of any agenda that will truncate the same democracy we fought for.”

He highlighted his involvement in the famous Calabar Declaration. “I can remember years back, during a similar meeting in Calabar we resolved to support a president from the South-South zone,” he said. “People thought we were joking, but a few months later, Mr. Goodluck Jonathan emerged as President.” Udoh added that with such a declaration, stakeholders will be committed to working towards its fulfillment.

The APC stakeholders in the region backed President Tinubu for a second term. They also endorsed the four governors of the party from the South-South geopolitical zone and the Senate President.

Udoh commended Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, noting that since joining the APC, Governor Umo Eno has shown commitment to the ideals of the party.

Udoh urged the Federal Government to fulfill its promises to citizens, particularly on critical infrastructure such as the Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State. This project, he noted, could transform Akwa Ibom State’s economy and improve citizens’ lives.

The APC key stakeholder advised politicians to be sincere to their constituents by prioritizing citizens’ welfare above personal gain.