A significant political shift is on the horizon in Cross River State, as prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party from the northern senatorial district are preparing to defect en masse to the ruling All Progressives Congress in solidarity with Senator Agom Jarigbe.
This development follows closely on the heels of Senator Jarigbe’s formal defection to the APC, which he announced during a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa last week.
After meeting with the president, Jarigbe also engaged with APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, in Calabar, where he expressed his commitment to collaborate with the party’s leadership to strengthen the APC’s presence in the northern district of the state.
On Wednesday, a statement issued by Jarigbe’s Special Adviser on Media, John Agom, revealed that the senator had convened a high-level meeting with key PDP figures from the northern district at Rockview Hotel in Abuja. The purpose of the meeting was to review the political direction of the region, according to THE PUNCH.
Political analysts believe that this shift could significantly alter Cross River’s political landscape as the state prepares for the upcoming election cycle. The statement explained that discussions at the meeting focused on aligning with what participants described as the “progressive direction” of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
During the gathering, Senator Jarigbe addressed the stakeholders, explaining that his decision to join the APC was driven by a desire to contribute to the success of President Tinubu’s reform initiatives.
“My people should be assured that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering the constituents and embarking on people-oriented projects to alleviate the sufferings of the zone,” Jarigbe said. “I must also assure all the stakeholders that our regular consultations will not stop. There are better days ahead.”
In response, Cross River PDP Chairman Venatius Ikem expressed his respect for the senator’s decision and promised to consult with the party’s state executive on the next steps.
The statement further indicated that the stakeholders present at the meeting pledged their support for Governor Otu’s administration and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They also revealed plans to officially join the APC alongside Senator Jarigbe after further consultations. This anticipated mass defection is seen as a strategic realignment intended to give Cross River North a stronger voice both in state and national politics.
Among those present at the meeting were Hon. Godwin Offiono, representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Austin Edibe; Prof. Tom Ogar; Dr. DornKlamz Enamhe; Dr. Paul Ibiala; Hon. Peter Ignodor; and several other key party figures.
