The number of All Progressives Congress senators in the National Assembly has risen to 76 following the defection of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who represents the Cross River North Senatorial District, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling party.
Following the defection, the new configuration of the Senate shows APC holding 76 seats, PDP 25, Labour Party (LP) 4, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) 2, Social Democratic Party (SDP) 1, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) 1, bringing the total to 109 senators.
Senator Jarigbe announced his decision in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, which was read during Tuesday’s plenary by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session.
“I rise to formally notify you and the distinguished leadership of the Senate of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, on whose platform I was elected to represent the good people of Cross River North Senatorial District,” the letter read.
“The decision came after deep and thoughtful reflection on the current state of my former party. It is with regret that I note the persistent and deep-seated divisions and the deliberate factionalisation at both the national and state levels as the primary reasons for my departure,” he added.
Senator Jarigbe explained that his move to the APC was driven by a desire to better serve his constituents and ensure they benefit from the developmental policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“I believe that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the steady guidance of the National Assembly, the APC provides a stable and progressive platform to deliver the democratic dividends expected by the people of Cross River North,” he stated.
With his defection, all three senators representing Cross River State — Eteng Williams (Cross River Central), Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), and Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North) — now belong to the APC.
