By Emmanuel Uffot
The recent defection of Senator Bassey Albert to APC has been described as ”huge plus” to the political fortunes of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) in Akwa Ibom State.
This assertion was made by a United States based medical professional and humanist, Dr. Marshall Umoren in chat with the media.
In Dr Umoren’s words “OBA’s defection is a huge plus for APC in Akwa Ibom. His defection is bringing a lot of good fortune to the party, and this, considering the dynamics of party politics in Nigeria.”
“OBA, as Senator Albert is often addressed by associates and his political followers is importing a lot of things into APC, and this might be the game-changer in 2027″.
” His on the ground popularity, political acumen, capacity and mobilizational ability at the grassroots would bring about a considerable teutonic shock, especially with his mass appeal to the youths “, Umoren stated.
And speaking further on the sensational defection, Umoren predicted “a great dislodgement and shift of youth energy and power across the political structures of the state”.
He said this observation would be colloborated by both his ( Senator Albert ) political associates and a mass following he enjoyed both while in PDP and YPP entify with Albert.
“All of these reactions besides playing out for him, will play more in APC’s favour when one considers the next election period.”
” Senator Albert has been reckoned in political circles as a great influencer, especially while he was subsisting within the ruling PDP in the state”.
“His growing influence is not in the least whittling. Given his deft ability to ginger the youths and possessing the acknowledged outreach to increasingly identify with the grassroot, this can, indeed be the needed tonic to re-galvanize his political machinery.”
Dr Umoren equally draw reference from Senator Albert’s past experience and a rich grasp of the political system as placing a considerable boost on his recent decision. This he said is viewed against his background and indepth understanding of the prevalent political terrain in the state and country which according to him may have informed his recent move from YPP to APC.
“But even as some might view his recent action as a form of political promiscuity, one however, understands that within the spectacle of Nigeria’s political climate, there are really no permanent foes but interest”.
Dr Umoren’s opinion on the value Senator Albert will bring to APC is not misplaced given how his defection to YPP boosted the political fortunes of the party from a weak opposition with non- visible structures to a strong opposition party that challenged the ruling PDP in Akwa Ibom State.
It could be recalled that the former governorship candidate of YPP in March 19, 2023 governorship election who had challenged the election of Governor Umo Eno to the Supreme Court before withdrawing, had last weekend defected to the APC when the Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio fete people of the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District under the APC.
Albert defected with former National Chairman of the party ( YPP) Reverend Andy and the party’s Senatorial District candidate for Eket Senatorial District, Mr Ephraim Inyang Eyen who was Commissioner for Works under former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
