APC South-South Zonal Congress Results and Insights

Explore the highlights of the APC South-South Zonal Congress held on March 25 in Asaba, including key leadership results.

However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its 2026 South-South Zonal Congress on March 25 in Asaba, Delta State. At the event, Minister Nyesom Wike’s key allies strengthened their position. Victor Giadom was reelected as National Vice Chairman (South-South). Samuel Nwanosike was chosen as Zonal Publicity Secretary.

Main Points from the Congress

Date and Location: March 25, 2026, in Asaba, Delta State.
Leadership Results:
- Victor Giadom kept his role as APC National Vice Chairman (South-South).
- Samuel Nwanosike was elected South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary.
Nyesom Wike’s Influence: Even though Wike is a PDP member, his allies led the congress. This shows he still has a strong influence in Rivers State and the South-South APC.
Congress Organization: So, the APC has announced the hosting locations for zonal congress activities. Rivers and Cross River States were selected as hosts. This followed a timetable set by the party’s constitution.

Political Background

Consensus Politics: So, the APC’s South-East congress, the South-South congress relied on consensus to prevent internal disputes.
Strategic Control: Wike’s role demonstrates the overlap of APC and PDP politics in the South-South. Leaders from both parties influence the outcomes.
Regional Balance: Also the congress ensured Rivers State maintained strong representation in the zonal executive. This approach strengthened its political influence in the region.

CHow This Congress Compares to Others

RRisks and ImplicationsFactional Tensions: Wike’s dominance may deepen internal APC divisions, especially among members wary of PDP influence.

Electoral Strategy: Controlling zonal structures is important before the 2027 general elections. Therefore, this congress is a key win for Wike’s supporters.
Cross-Party Dynamics: Having a PDP leader influence APC structures is unusual. So, this influence could make it harder for the party to stay united. It could also affect their credibility in the region.

Regional Balance in APC Zonal Congresses, 2026

South-South	Asaba, Delta State (Mar 25, 2026)	Victor Giadom reelected as National Vice Chairman (South-South); Samuel Nwanosike elected Zonal Publicity Secretary	Dominated by allies of Nyesom Wike (Rivers State)
South-East	Enugu, Enugu State (Mar 25, 2026)	Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu elected Zonal Chairman	Consensus arrangement led by Gov. Hope Uzodimma (Imo State)

Main Comparisons

Leadership Approach:
- In the South-South, Wike’s influence was key, and Rivers State secured both major positions.
- South-East relied on Uzodimma’s consensus politics, avoiding factional disputes.
State Influence:
- Rivers State became the main power center in the South-South.
- Imo State played the main role in the South-East outcome.
Strategic Effects:
- So, both congresses show how powerful politicians, like Wike in the South-South and Uzodimma in the South-East, influenced the results.
- However, this leads to Rivers and Imo States having more influence. Their influence surpasses others within the APC’s southern leadership.

In summary, the South-South congress showed the strength of Wike’s allies, while the South-East congress highlighted Uzodimma’s consensus leadership. Both events show how strong state leaders are shaping the APC’s zonal structures before the 2027 elections.