Defection: Akpabio visits Buhari in London

The Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, on Sunday visited President Muhammadu Buhari in London. Earlier, two presidential aides confirmed on Saturday that the senator is defecting from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Bashir Ahmad, personal assistant to the president on online media, broke the news of the senator’s visit to the president Sunday morning.

Mr Ahmad posted on his official Twitter handle, photos of Mr Akpabio shaking hands and also posing with Mr Buhari.

Mr Buhari is on a 10-day vacation in London.

Mr Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North West District in the Senate, is a former governor of Akwa Ibom.

Although disliked by some people because of his ruthless brand of politics, Mr Akpabio is widely respected as one of the most influential politicians in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria’s South-South region.

He handpicked Udom Emmanuel, a former executive director in Zenith Bank, appointed him Secretary to the State Government (SSG), groomed, and later installed him as governor of Akwa Ibom in 2015, despite opposition within his party, the PDP.

He is also responsible for the election and the appointment of several people in the state into public offices.

PMB with Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Akpabio today in London, the UK. pic.twitter.com/auzgcPyIrY

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) August 5, 2018

Senator Godswill Akpabio has been a Buharist since 2015. Many haven’t seen it. https://t.co/3sje5MqSCS

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) August 5, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Assistant on Prosecution, Okoi Obono-Obla, who confirmed Mr Akpabio’s defection to the APC told PREMIUM TIMES, Saturday, “I believe his coming to the APC will change the fortunes of the APC in Akwa Ibom in particular, and the South-South in general.”

Let me place it on record the support for President Buhari who did something extraordinary. While I was in hospital he called me and said Akpabio we are praying for you. In sha Allah, it shall be well with you. — Sen. Akpabio (PDP) on September 25th, 2015

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) August 5, 2018

Today in the Senate, 49 PDP senators have declared their support for President Muhammadu @MBuhari – Senator Godswill Akpabio

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) August 6, 2015

"The PDP senate caucus reiterates its support to President Muhammadu Buhari and his quest to bring about a greater Nigeria." – Sen. Akpabio

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) August 6, 2015

While I was in Hospital Pres. Buhari called me and said Akpabio we are praying for you. Insha Allah, it shall be well with you – Sen Akpabio

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) September 24, 2015