Senate President Godswill Akpabio has suggested that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri may soon defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), forecasting a broader shift of the South-South region toward the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Akpabio made the remarks on Saturday during a reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo to officially welcome Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno into the APC.

The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and several APC governors and lawmakers.

Eno had earlier announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on June 6.

Describing the defection as symbolic, Akpabio framed the development as part of a regional realignment.

“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.”

Akpabio also referenced the APC’s recent victory in the Edo State Senate bye-election. “Of course, we have won the election in Edo State. We produced our amiable senator, Monday Okpebholo,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2027, Akpabio projected strong electoral support for President Bola Tinubu in the region. “Come 2027, South-South will go one way; the South-South will vote for President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

At present, the APC controls four of the six South-South states, with Rivers and Bayelsa still under the leadership of the PDP.