Senate President Godswill Akpabio has hinted that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri could soon defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as part of a sweeping political shift in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akpabio made the prediction during a grand reception ceremony held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to formally welcome Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom into the APC, following his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The high-profile gathering had top APC leaders including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and several governors and senators under the party’s banner.
Describing Eno’s defection as historic, Akpabio said, “This is not just a defection, it’s a movement. It marks the reunification of Akwa Ibom with Nigeria.”
Akpabio, who once governed Akwa Ibom under the PDP before joining the APC, praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for aligning with what he called the “progressive movement” sweeping across the Niger Delta.
“Governor Sheriff of Delta, thank you for joining the progressives’ family,” Akpabio declared. “Governor Umo Eno, after you, who knows? **
