By Uko Okon
The Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Grassroots Mobilisation, Dr Ephraim Okon has stated that the defection of Governor Umo Eno to the All Progressives Congress (APC) triggered a significant shift in the political landscape of the South-South region.
The Governor’s Aide made the disclosure during an interview with newsmen in Uyo, the state capital on Friday.
Okon described Governor Eno’s defection as a “tsunami of defections” that is changing the region’s political DNA.
“This isn’t just another defection—it’s what I call a ‘tsunami of defections.’ Governor Umo Eno’s move, alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, is changing the region’s political DNA”
He stressed that the APC’s gain of Akwa Ibom State, alongside Delta and other states, is a major blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South.
Okon noted that the defection is expected to have a domino effect, putting pressure on remaining PDP states in the region, including Bayelsa and Rivers, adding that APC’s growing presence in the South-South could potentially cement its dominance in the region for the foreseeable future.
He further stated that thousands of PDP stalwarts are switching camps, with many embracing the APC’s narrative of “aligning with the centre for development.”
“This mass movement is seen as a significant shift in the region’s political allegiance. The APC’s gain of key states in the South-South could boost its chances in the 2027 elections.”
“Our task now is to manage this transition responsibly—embrace new members, calm anxieties, and ensure everyone sees the long-term developmental gain,”
“If well managed, this could cement the APC’s dominance in the South-South for the foreseeable future.”
Okon cautioned that the APC must take seriously the growing strength of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), now consolidated as the ADC led by a coalition of influential figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, David Mark, and Rotimi Amaechi.
