The fate of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Moses Ekpo, is shrouded in speculations, as defections and counter-defections hit the two major political parties in Nigeria, ahead of the 2019 general election.

The News Agency of Nigeria circulated a report yesterday, suggesting that Moses Ekpo has dumped the People’s Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress, but that has not been confirmed or denied.

The agency’s report made reference to a twitter post by an APC affiliated platform and a local online site, suggesting that EKPO’s move was part of the speculated defection of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, from PDP to APC.

Our correspondent learnt from a Government House source in Uyo that the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor travelled to the United States of America to represent Governor Udom Emmanuel at an event, while his Chief Press Secretary cannot be reached on phone.

However; another contact close to our correspondent in Uyo indicated that at least six aides of Governor Udom, who are thought to be loyal to Senator Akpabio, have already signalled their resignations.

Meanwhile; Senator Akpabio has visited President Muhammadu Buhari in London where he is spending ten days on vacation.

However; there are no details of Senator Akpabio’s reason for visiting President Buhari while on vacation, but the development has sparked speculations of an impending defection of the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State from PDP to APC.

Before travelling to London, Senator Akpabio is also reported to have held a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja, as well as visited the APC national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Lagos.

The rumour was reinforced through a statement credited to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, signaling that Senator Akpabio would be received into the APC on Wednesday this week.

In the meantime; Senator Godswill Akpabio is reported to have lost the services of at least four of his personal aides on account of the rumour about his planned defection from PDP to APC.

They include Senator AKPABIO’s Senior Legislative Aide, Utibe Nwoko, as well as Chief Moses Akpan, Kufre Ini-Ima, and Prince Ukandu Ukpe.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Emmauel Udom, Aniekeme Finbarr, disclosed in a post on his Facebook that the men announced their resignation during a meeting of PDP stakeholders of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, which was held in Abak.