COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE SOUTH–SOUTH ZONAL SUMMIT ON STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS AND POLITICAL MOBILISATION OF THE RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADORS.
Held from 23rd -24th of March 2026 New Government House Press Centre, Asaba, Delta State
- PREAMBLE
Recognizing the critical importance of strategic communication in democratic consolidation, political stability, and national development;
Acknowledging the necessity of effective citizen engagement in advancing transformative governance reforms;
And conscious of the historic responsibility placed on political stakeholders to strengthen public understanding of ongoing national reforms;
The South–South Zonal Summit on Strategic Communications and Political Mobilization of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors was convened from 23rd to 24th March 2026 under the guiding theme:
“Our Party. One Message. One Mobilisation.”
The Summit was convened by His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, South–South Zonal Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, and graciously hosted by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State.
The Summit brought together an influential coalition of national leaders, senior government officials, party strategists, communication experts, policy thinkers, and grassroots coordinators committed to strengthening political communication structures in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
- STRATEGIC CONTEXT
The Summit carefully reviewed Nigeria’s political and economic trajectory and noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office at a defining moment marked by structural economic challenges, fiscal pressures, and difficult but necessary policy adjustments.
The Summit acknowledged that transformational reforms require political courage, strategic foresight, and national sacrifice, and therefore commended the administration for undertaking bold policy measures aimed at stabilizing the economy, restoring investor confidence, and laying the foundation for sustainable national growth.
Participants agreed that effective communication of reform objectives remains essential to strengthening public trust and ensuring citizens properly understand both the necessity and long-term benefits of these policy decisions.
- PARTICIPATION
The Summit recorded the presence of eminent political leaders and stakeholders including:
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State
His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, who also serves as National Coordinator and Director-General of Renewed Hope Ambassadors
His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, Governor of Yobe State
Hon. Chief Victor Tombari Giadom, APC National Vice Chairman (South–South)
Distinguished Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary of the APC
Mr. Felix C. Morka, Esq, APC National Publicity Secretary
Senator Adebayo Clement Adeyeye, Chairman of the Summit
Chief Olisa Metu-Director of Administration, Renewed Hope Ambassardors, Office, Abuja
Chief Solomon Arenyeka, Delta State APC Chairman
Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas, Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District
Rt. Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Member representing Ika Federal Constituency
Rt. Hon. Nicholas Mutu, Member, representing Bomadi/Pataninin Federal Constituency
Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly
Rt. Hon. Barr. Arthur Akpowhowho, Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly
As well as federal and state legislators, members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, technocrats, coordinators, and stakeholders from across the South–South geopolitical zone.
- POLICY AND INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENTS
The Summit featured high-level presentations and policy conversations focused on strengthening the relationship between governance communication, political organization, and grassroots mobilization.
The presentations emphasized:
The imperative of message coherence and communication discipline
The importance of integrating communication into governance processes
The strategic value of grassroots intelligence and stakeholder mapping
The need for modern, data-driven mobilization strategies
The importance of community engagement in sustaining democratic legitimacy
The need for Strategic Planning and proactive actions
The importance of intelligence gathering
The changing dynamics of elections with the youths being a formidable force.
The importance of combining Party structures and community engagement as strategy for effective communications and political mobilisation.
The Summit particularly noted that successful political organizations must operate not merely as electoral platforms but as enduring social institutions embedded within community structures.
- OBSERVATION
Following extensive deliberations, the Summit observed that:
Effective political communication remains a strategic pillar of democratic governance.
Public misunderstanding of reforms often results from communication gaps rather than policy failure.
Grassroots mobilization remains the most potent but underutilized political instrument.
Modern political success increasingly depends on data management, coordination, and strategic intelligence.
The South–South geopolitical zone remains indispensable to Nigeria’s economic sustainability and national cohesion.
Strategic unity among political stakeholders remains essential for long-term political stability.
- RESOLUTIONS
After careful deliberations, the Summit unanimously resolved to:
Strengthen coordination of strategic communication across all levels of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors structure.
Promote messages and unified narratives regarding government reforms.
Adopt scientific and data-driven approaches to grassroots mobilization.
Expand the participation of youths and women in political communication and mobilization structures.
Strengthen digital engagement platforms to reflect the realities of modern political communication.
Encourage proactive engagement against misinformation through fact-based communication.
Reaffirm commitment to fairness, transparency, and internal democratic values within party processes.
Commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his courageous economic reforms, particularly fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, recognized as necessary stabilization measures and for his massive infrastructure development.
Commend APC governors in the South–South for development-driven and people-focused governance.
Encourage stronger regional alignment with the Renewed Hope reform agenda.
Commend Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his developmental leadership and warm hospitality.
Commend Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for his strategic coordination and leadership of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South–South region.
- THE ASABA DECLARATION
The South–South Zonal Summit on Strategic Communications and Political Mobilization of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors hereby issues what shall be known as the:
ASABA DECLARATION ON STRATEGIC POLITICAL COMMUNICATION AND GRASSROOTS MOBILISATION
Through this Declaration, participants reaffirm their collective commitment to strengthening political enlightenment, deepening democratic participation, and promoting responsible civic engagement throughout the South–South geopolitical zone.
The Summit declares that the success of transformative governance depends not only on bold leadership and sound policies but also on effective communication, public trust, and active citizen participation.
The Summit therefore calls on all Renewed Hope Ambassadors, party faithful, and stakeholders to serve as disciplined messengers of reform, ambassadors of national unity, and custodians of truthful and responsible public communication.
The Summit further declares that the South–South region will continue to play its historic role as a stabilizing force in Nigeria’s political and economic development and will remain committed to leadership and policies that promote national progress, economic recovery, and shared prosperity.
The Summit resolves that the outcomes of this engagement shall serve as a strategic compass for coordinated communication, effective mobilization, and sustained political engagement as Nigeria continues its journey of reform, stability, and renewal.
- CONCLUDING DECLARATION
The Summit concluded with a strong vote of confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders to ensuring its successful communication, acceptance, and consolidation across the South–South geopolitical zone.
Participants pledged their continued dedication to strengthening political structures that promote stability, democratic growth, and inclusive national development.
- ADOPTION
This Communiqué was unanimously adopted this 24th day of March, 2026, in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
SIGNED: Prof. Kemi A. Emina,
Lead Rapporteur
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