Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that more defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are imminent, named Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri as the next likely defectors.
Akpabio made this revelation on Saturday during a grand reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Akwa Ibom State to officially welcome Governor Umo Eno into the APC.
He noted that the people of Akwa Ibom were pleased with Eno’s decision and assured the gathering that the South-South region would align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Governor Umo Eno, after you, who knows Rivers State will tumble. After Rivers State, Bayelsa will join. And of course, we won the election in Edo State,” Akpabio stated.
He continued: “Henceforth, come 2027, the South-South will go one way, and the South-South will vote for President Tinubu.”
The Senate President also commended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his earlier move from PDP to APC, a defection that reportedly included the entire PDP structure in the state, including former Governor and 2023 PDP vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa.
With Eno and Oborevwori now in the APC, the ruling party controls four of the six states in the South-South region – Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River further solidifying its base in the Niger Delta.
Governor Umo Eno’s defection comes amid increasing political realignment ahead of the next general elections. His move was seen as a major blow to the PDP in the region and a significant win for the APC’s consolidation strategy.
The political developments underscored a growing momentum within the APC to secure total dominance in the South-South, historically a PDP stronghold.
