Senate President Godswill Akpabio has hinted that the political landscape in Nigeria’s South-South region could shift significantly ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the possible defection of two key Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during a high-profile reception at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, Akpabio welcomed Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno into the APC following his recent defection from the PDP on June 6.
The event drew a strong APC presence, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and several governors and federal lawmakers.
Describing Eno’s defection as “symbolic,” Akpabio linked it to a larger trend of political realignment in the region.
“Today, Governor Otu is no longer an orphan. Thank you for being here to welcome your brothers, and you will welcome more brothers,” Akpabio said.
“Governor Sheriff of Delta, thank you for joining the progressives’ family and moving the South-South in the progressives’ direction. Governor Umo Eno, after you, who knows? Rivers State will tumble. After Rivers, Bayelsa will join.”
The Senate President also referred to the APC’s recent victory in Edo State’s Senate bye-election.
“Of course, we have won the election in Edo State. We produced our amiable senator, Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
Casting his gaze forward to the 2027 elections, Akpabio projected a united voting bloc in favour of the incumbent president.
“Come 2027, South-South will go one way; the South-South will vote for President Bola Tinubu,” he declared.
Currently, the APC governs four of the six South-South states, with Rivers and Bayelsa remaining under PDP leadership.
