Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said Siminalayi Fubara, suspended Governor of Rivers state, and Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa are the next Governors to defect to All Progressives Congress (APC).
Gatekeepers News reports that Akpabio made the statement on Saturday during a reception held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital, to welcome Governor Umo Eno into the APC.
The event, which took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and several party governors and senators.
Governor Eno had officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on June 6.
Describing the development as more than mere defection, Akpabio said it marked a “reunification of Akwa Ibom with Nigeria” and signaled growing momentum for the APC in the South-South region.
The senate President noted that with Eno and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori aligning with the APC, the region is shifting direction politically.
He said, “It was a little bit of a surprise when we (south-south) attempted to go different ways in 2023.”
“Today, Governor Otu is no longer an orphan. Thank you for being here to welcome your brothers, and you will welcome more brothers.”
“Governor Sheriff of Delta, thank you for joining the progressives’ family and moving the south-south in the progressives’ direction.”
“Governor Uno Eno, after you, who knows? Rivers state will tumble. After Rivers, Bayelsa will join.”
“Of course, we have won the election in Edo state. We produced our amiable senator, Monday Okpebholo.”
Akpabio expressed confidence that the South-South would support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, predicting near-total support for the president.
He said, “Come 2027, south-south will go one way; the south-south will vote for President Bola Tinubu.”
“I see you becoming the first re-elected governor in 2027. I see the president getting 99.9 percent votes in 2027.”
