Cynthia Ezegwu
A major political realignment is unfolding in Cross River State as top stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the northern senatorial district have indicated plans to defect en masse to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with Senator Agom Jarigbe.
The move follows Senator Jarigbe’s recent defection to the APC and his visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he pledged his loyalty to the ruling party.
Shortly after the visit, Jarigbe met with the APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, in Calabar, and promised to work closely with the party leadership to strengthen the APC’s foothold in the northern district.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, John Agom, the senator convened a high-level meeting with key PDP leaders from Cross River North on Tuesday at Rockview Hotel, Abuja, to discuss the political direction of the zone.
The meeting, according to the statement, focused on “aligning with the progressive direction of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Addressing the gathering, Jarigbe said his decision to defect was driven by a commitment to support President Tinubu’s reform agenda and deliver more impactful projects to his constituents.
“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 their sufferings,” he said. “Our regular consultations will continue. There are better days ahead.”
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Reacting to the development, the Cross River PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, described Jarigbe’s decision as courageous and said the party would consult its state executive committee before taking further action.
The statement added that the northern stakeholders pledged their support for Governor Otu’s administration and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that their anticipated defection would strengthen the region’s political relevance at both state and national levels.
Those present at the meeting included the member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono; former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Austin Edibe; Prof. Tom Ogar; Dr. DornKlamz Enamhe; Dr. Paul Ibiala; Hon. Peter Ignodor, and several other party stalwarts.