APC has reportedly finalised plans to welcome Senator to the ruling party

This was made known in a post on Facebook by President Buhari’s Special Assistant on Prosecution, Okoi Obono-Obla.

The presidential aide also revealed that Akpabio's welcome rally into the APC will hold at Ikot Ekpene Stadium.

Obono-Obla said “There shall be an APC Rally at Ikot Ekpene , Akwa Abasi Ibom State on Thursday the 9th August 2018 to receive the former indefatigable Governor of the State , His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio to the All Progressives Congress! Acting President Osinbajo accompanied by Senator Ita Enang and leaders of the APC in Akwa Ibom will formally receive Senator Godswill Akpabio into the APC at Ikot Ekpene Stadium on Thursday August 9, 2018.”

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Also, the Presidential Adviser, National Assembly Liaison, Senator Ita Enang put out a post on Twitter announcing Akpabio’s reception into the ruling party

He said “I'm confirming that the @APCNigeria family as earlier indicated will formally receive H.E,@godswill_akpabio on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8,2018 at an elaborate ceremony in Akwa-Ibom State.Senator (Dr) ITA ENANG.Presidential Liaison to the National Assembly- Senate. Sen@itaenanglaw2.com”

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Premium Times alsoreports that Obono-Obla confirmed the former Governor of Akwa-Ibom’s defection to the APC in an interview.

The presidential aide said “Senator Akpabio is defecting to the APC, you can take that to the bank”.

When asked whether Akpabio wants to become the Senate President, Obono-Obla had this to say: “I cannot confirm that.

“But if he wants the position of a senate president, he is eminently qualified for it”.

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He also said that he believes Akpabio’s defection to the ruling party will make things better for the APC in the South-South region and Akwa-Ibom state.

Why Akpabio defected

Some sources say that the former Governor decided to leave the ruling party following a fall between him and his protégé, the Governor of Akwa-Ibom state, Emmanuel Udom.

Another source who spoke to The Nation alleged that the APC is blackmailing Akpabio to deliver Akwa-Ibom state or he will face the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Godswill Akpabio is the Senate's Minority Leader.

He served as Governor of Akwa Ibom State from May 29, 2007 to May 29, 2015.