Mass defection looms as Senator Jarigbe meets PDP stalwarts in Cross River

A major political realignment appears underway in Cross River North as prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are preparing to switch allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in support of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

Senator Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North in the Senate, had on October 22, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola  Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to formally announce his move to the APC.

Following that visit, the lawmaker met with the Cross River State APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, reaffirming his decision to work with the party leadership to strengthen its presence in the northern senatorial district.

In a statement released Wednesday in Abuja by Jarigbe’s media office and signed by his Special Adviser on Media, John Agom Agom, the senator on Tuesday hosted a high-level consultation meeting in Abuja with key PDP stakeholders from the zone to discuss the changing political landscape and possible next steps.

The statement noted that: “Discussions at the meeting held at the Rockview Hotel, Abuja on Tuesday, centered 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 Ahmed Tinubu.”

Speaking at the session, Senator Jarigbe explained that his defection was driven by his commitment to contribute to President Tinubu’s efforts to reposition the country.

He said: “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 and to alleviate the sufferings of the zone.

“I must also assure all the stakeholders that our regular consultations will not stop. There better days ahead,” Senator Jarigbe stated.

Also present at the meeting, Cross River State PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, commended Senator Jarigbe for his courage and said he would brief the State Executive Committee for further deliberations on the next line of action.

According to the statement, the stakeholders at the meeting pledged support for Governor Otu’s administration and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“They further disclosed their intention to officially join the APC alongside Senator Jarigbe after wider consultations, describing the anticipated mass defection as a strategic realignment to give Cross River North a stronger voice in both state and national politics.”

Those in attendance included Hon. Godwin Offiono, representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; Chief Austin Edibe, former Secretary to the State Government; Prof. Tom Ogar; Mike Aniah, Esq.; Dr. DornKlamz Enamhe; Dr. Paul Ibiala; Hon. Peter Ignodor and several other party leaders.