The Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilisation to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr. Ephraim Okon, says Governor Umo Eno’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has significantly altered the political landscape in the South-South region.
Speaking to journalists in Uyo over the weekend, Dr. Okon described the defection as a “political tsunami” that marks a decisive shift away from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once dominant in the region.
“This isn’t just another defection,” Okon stated. “Governor Umo Eno’s move, alongside that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, is reshaping the political DNA of the South-South.”
He noted that the APC’s control of Akwa Ibom, Delta, and potentially other states poses a major challenge to the PDP’s relevance in the zone.
According to him, Bayelsa remains the only state in the region still holding on, though signs suggest it may soon follow suit.
Okon said the wave of defections has already seen thousands of PDP members crossing over to the APC, driven by the belief that aligning with the federal government will attract more development to the region.
“This movement is more than political strategy; it’s a calculated shift towards long-term development.
“If we manage this transition properly — welcoming new members and addressing concerns — the APC could dominate the South-South well into the future,” he said.
However, Okon warned that while the APC is gaining momentum, it must not ignore the rising influence of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), now operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The coalition, he said, includes powerful figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark, Nasir el-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, and could become a serious contender in the 2027 elections.
He urged the APC leadership to consolidate its gains and prepare strategically for the evolving political dynamics.
