SENATE President, Godswill Akpabio, has boasted that more states, including Rivers and Bayelsa, currently under the leadership of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming months as the gale of defections sweep across states of the federation.
Speaking at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, during the official reception of Governor Umo Eno to the APC, the senate president stated: “Governor Uno Eno, after you, who knows? Rivers State will tumble. After Rivers, Bayelsa will join.”
Akpabio expressed optimism that APC would sweep the entire South-South region ahead of the 2027 elections, noting: “Governor Sheriff of Delta State, thank you for joining the progressive family and moving the South-South in a progressive direction.
“We won election with Governor Otu in Cross River State and we produced an amiable Monday Okpebholo. Congratulations once again for your victory.”
In April, Eno hinted at leaving PDP for APC, blaming the internal crisis within his former party for his decision to dump the party and formally defected on June 6 at an event in Uyo.
Speaking to a massive crowd of supporters, party faithful and national stakeholders, Eno described his decision to join the APC as one rooted in evolving realities and a firm commitment to place the collective interests of Akwa Ibom State above partisan considerations.
He stated: “While I deeply respect the emotions and sentiments of some of our people who have elected not to join me on this progressive journey for now, I want to say unequivocally that strategic decisions must reflect evolving realities.
“We must prioritise the future and collective interest of our state.”
He assuredc the people of his unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, emphasising that his defection will not alter his promise to lead with fairness, equity and transparency.
“Let me reassure all Akwa Ibomites that regardless of my political alignment, I remain a governor for all. We will continue to deliver on the ARISE Agenda, our social contract with the people no matter their political affiliations.
“We are not afraid of the future. Our focus remains on steering the ship of Akwa Ibom forward. For in our boat is He who calms every storm, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God who has never lost a battle,” he declared.
Eno used the occasion to make a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC-led federal government to support a long-standing aspiration of the state in development of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
He noted: “Our major request today is to help us realise the Ibom Deep Seaport. Akwa Ibom boasts the longest natural draft in the country, 19 meters deep, requiring no dredging. We have waited long enough. I trust that Mr. President, a man of his word, will answer this call.”
He stressed the political significance of the moment, likening the state’s new alliance with the APC to a hopeful bride looking to her groom, adding: “We are making a decision by aligning with our son, Akpabio, and committing to work towards delivering victory for our President in 2027. Every progressive movement is aim to consolidate and deliver results.”
He concluded: “It is time to join the progressive train. This movement is not just political; it is purposeful, timely and designed to deliver lasting value to our people.”
APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, while welcoming Eno to the party, described him as a wise man who knows the difference between national isolation and national unity.
Ganduje expressed joy that the South-South zone now has four APC governors and would soon have the remaining two in the opposition party, assuring that with uniformity of political party, it would be easier to solve the common problem in the zone.
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