Senate President Godswill Akpabio predicts Rivers and Bayelsa will join APC soon, following Governor Umo Eno’s defection from the opposition PDP
Akpabio predicts Rivers Bayelsa defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in what he described as an inevitable political shift across Nigeria’s southern states.
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Speaking at a rally in Uyo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the ruling party was set to attract more governors from the opposition in the months ahead.
The occasion marked the official reception of Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno into the APC, signalling a significant realignment of political forces in the region.
The rally, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in the state capital, was filled with party supporters who gathered to witness what many described as a landmark event.
Addressing the crowd, Akpabio hinted that Akwa Ibom’s move was only the beginning of a broader shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. “Governor Umo Eno, after you, who knows? Rivers State will tumble.
After Rivers, Bayelsa will join,” he said with confidence. His statement sparked excitement among party faithful, who interpreted it as a clear signal of ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Akpabio, who served as Akwa Ibom governor from 2007 to 2015, has remained a prominent figure in the APC’s drive to strengthen its hold on power nationwide.
His comments come amid growing speculation that discontent within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could lead to further defections.
The inclusion of Umo Eno in the APC is already being described as a strategic victory for the ruling party in the South-South, a region traditionally dominated by the PDP.
As political tensions continue to grow ahead of future elections, Akpabio’s remarks have added fuel to debates about loyalty, ideology, and ambition in Nigerian politics.
For many observers, the prediction about Rivers and Bayelsa is not without precedent. In recent months, both states have witnessed internal wrangling, strained alliances and shifting loyalties.
With Akpabio now openly suggesting that their governors could switch allegiance, attention is likely to remain fixed on developments in Port Harcourt and Yenagoa.
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The APC appears determined to expand its base, and if Akpabio’s words prove accurate, the coming months could reshape the balance of power in the Niger Delta.
