Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri are next in line to defect to the All Progressives Congress, following Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s high-profile switch from the Peoples Democratic Party.
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Speaking Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo during a massive reception ceremony for Governor Eno, the former Akwa Ibom governor described the event as more than just a defection but a “movement” and “reunification of Akwa Ibom with Nigeria.”
The ceremony drew top APC dignitaries including Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and governors from Delta, Lagos, Cross River, Imo, Ebonyi, Kogi, Kebbi, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Kwara, and Gombe states.
Akpabio boldly predicted a domino effect across the South-South region, stating: “Governor Uno Eno, after you, who knows? Rivers state will tumble. After Rivers, Bayelsa will join.”
The Senate President noted that with Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori already in the APC fold alongside Eno’s defection, the South-South states are shifting toward the ruling party. “Come 2027, south-south will go one way; the south-south will vote for President Bola Tinubu,” he declared.
Vice President Shettima, representing President Tinubu, formally welcomed Governor Eno by presenting him with the APC flag. “Your decision to come to the APC is one you will never regret. No one will question your place here. The party is your home. You will not be humiliated, you will not be frustrated,” Shettima assured.
Governor Eno explained his defection as a calculated move to attract federal attention for critical state projects. “We have taken a risk by moving to the center to attract federal attention for critical projects like the lingering Ibom Deepsea Port and other needed interventions,” he stated.
The governor led the crowd in a pro-Tinubu chant: “On your mandate we shall stand,” demonstrating his full commitment to the APC.
National Chairman Ganduje described Eno’s move as transitioning from “national isolation to national integration,” emphasizing that the defection would ease federal project flows to Akwa Ibom and the wider South-South region.
The ruling APC now controls four of the six South-South states, with only Rivers and Bayelsa remaining under opposition control. Akpabio’s predictions suggest the party aims for complete regional dominance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Akpabio expressed confidence in sweeping electoral success, stating: “I see you becoming the first re-elected governor in 2027. I see the president getting 99.9 percent votes in 2027.”
The dramatic political shift represents a significant realignment in Nigerian politics, with the APC strengthening its grip on the South-South region as it positions for the 2027 general elections.
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