In a significant political development, Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) as of today, June 23, 2025.
Bassey, a businessman and current Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, brings a wealth of experience to the APC. His defection comes amidst a backdrop of strategic political realignments, with the 2023 Stears Elections report indicating a balanced 2-2-1 split of senatorial seats in Akwa Ibom among PDP, APC, and other parties. This move could signal the APC's intent to strengthen its foothold in the region ahead of future elections.
The APC has a history of absorbing opposition figures, notably during its 2013 merger of major parties and the 2015 power shift that marked the first peaceful transfer from a governing party to an opposition one.
Despite accusations of pushing for a one-party state, APC officials have reiterated their commitment to multiparty democracy, attributing recent defections to voluntary support for their policies. Bassey’s switch may influence agricultural and rural development policies, though no peer-reviewed studies currently assess the economic impacts of such transitions.
Public reactions from different users
Preciousudohblog compiled the comments made by Nigerians on X regarding Senator Aniekan Bassey's defection to the APC. Here are a few reactions below:
@Samueldaodu22 wrote:
"The way politicians switch electoral parties ehnn" – Reflecting a mix of amusement and frustration at the fluidity of political allegiance.
@Tiwish_Gbb added:
"Omoh we no dey face war but we dey suffer, May God help us" – Expressing broader public discontent amid political shifts.
@damia_n7 reacted:
"These people dey just cross carpet anyhow $SHOUT" – Highlighting skepticism about the motives behind the defection.
