The South-South Governors Forum has thrown its weight behind first-term governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party held its governorship primaries on Thursday.
In a statement released by the forum’s chairman, Senator Douye Diri, who also serves as governor of Bayelsa state, the regional bloc praised the outgoing first-term incumbents for what it described as visionary leadership and commitment to development across their respective states.
“These governors have been consistent in ensuring tangible transformation of their states in areas of infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social welfare,” Diri said, adding that the forum regarded them as “champions of grassroots development and economic growth.”
The forum, which groups governors from Nigeria’s oil-rich southern region, said it was confident that a second term for each of the candidates would deliver greater economic and infrastructural progress — both for their individual states and for Nigeria as a whole.
Diri extended what he called “best wishes for a peaceful and successful” primary process, expressing confidence that “democratic ideals will triumph” and that the governors’ records in office would be recognised by party members casting votes.
The APC primaries, held on 21 May, determine which incumbents will fly the party’s flag in forthcoming gubernatorial elections across several Nigerian states.
