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| Okpebholo and Eno APC Defection |
Governor Monday Okpebholo called Umo Eno’s switch to the APC a landmark moment. He said it will draw new funds and jobs to the South-South region . He offered warm praise for Eno’s choice and said it shows a shared will to lift lives in both Edo and Akwa Ibom states.
Okpebholo said Eno’s move shows bold faith in the APC’s national path under President Bola Tinubu. He said this bond will let both states tap federal projects fast . The governor vowed that Edo will stand by its neighbor in all joint efforts to build roads, ports, and schools.
At the APC’s national office, party leaders said they will welcome Eno with open arms. The APC’s Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, wrote on social media that Eno will find full support in his new party . That statement noted Eno joins from a point of strength, ready to back the president’s reform plan and share fresh ideas.
Eno himself said he chose APC to push reforms and help his people. He told supporters, “We move to APC with strong hope, ready to back the president’s work,” adding that he is not fleeing weakness but seeking unity for good .
Yet not all voices cheered. The PDP’s youth leader, Timothy Osadolor, called the shift “very unfortunate.” He urged Eno to rethink, warning that such moves deepen distrust in party bonds . PDP spokesmen said Eno owes loyalty to the platform that shaped his career and must serve it well before leaving.
Analysts say Eno’s defection may trigger more shifts across the region. After Delta’s Governor Oborevwori and others left the PDP, they note a surge of moves toward the APC. They warn this drift could harm healthy contest in elections if too many leaders join one side.
Still, Okpebholo stressed he trusts healthy debate will continue. He said party labels should not block honest talk on growth plans. He urged all sides to join hands on shared goals such as clean water, power access, and job training.
Edo’s governor said unity across states will tighten bonds and cut red tape on federal funds. He held that a united South-South front can shape Nigeria’s path to stronger industries and better ports on the Atlantic coast.
Beyond politics, experts see keen business chances. A market report shows the South-South holds key oil and gas sites and fast-growing urban centers. With joint state push, they say, private investors may fund refineries, tech hubs, and new highways.
Citizens on social channels gave mixed views. Some called the move a smart plan for jobs and growth. Others worried it signals a slide toward one-party rule and fewer checks on power.
Okpebholo noted these concerns and pledged to back open media and civil groups. He said he values a free press and fair courts to keep all leaders honest.
As talks heat on the 2027 elections, many watch if more governors will cross to APC. Okpebholo said he expects more moves but urged patience. He said each leader must act for his people’s best interest.
Looking ahead, both governors plan joint events on trade and culture. They aim to launch a forum on coastal projects and youth skills training.
This shift in the South-South may reshape national strategy. With Eno and Okpebholo in one party, they could form a strong bloc in Abuja. That may boost funds for ports, roads, and power plants in their states.
Yet democracy experts warn unity must not ban fresh voices or new ideas. They urge all parties to field strong candidates and open debates.
In the weeks to come, both state governments will roll out plans on gas pipelines and new tech parks. They will hold joint press talks to update citizens on progress.
For now, Edo’s governor sums up the day: “Today marks a new page. We link hands, we build roads, we train youth. We rise together for a stronger South-South” .