By Frank Ulom
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – A major political realignment is unfolding in Cross River North Senatorial District as key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have indicated plans to defect en masse to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.
The development follows Senator Jarigbe’s official defection to the APC after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa on 22nd October 2025. During the visit, the Senator representing Cross River North formally declared his intention to join the ruling party and pledged his commitment to supporting the President’s reform-driven agenda.
Subsequently, Jarigbe met with the Cross River State Chairman of the APC, Alphonsus Eba, Esq, to further consolidate his move and affirm his readiness to strengthen the party’s presence in the northern senatorial district.
In continuation of his consultations, the Senator convened a strategic meeting on Tuesday at the Rockview Hotel in Abuja, bringing together top PDP figures from the zone to review the political landscape and chart a new course.
The meeting reportedly focused on aligning with what participants described as the “progressive direction” of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the “Renewed Hope” vision of President Tinubu.
Speaking at the session, Senator Jarigbe said his decision to join the APC was driven by a desire to contribute to President Tinubu’s efforts in repositioning the country for growth and development. He assured stakeholders that his defection would not affect his commitment to grassroots empowerment and constituency projects.
“I moved over to the APC to assist President Tinubu in repositioning the country for greater heights. My move will not deter me from empowering our people and initiating projects that will alleviate the sufferings of our constituents,” Jarigbe stated, promising regular consultations and improved engagement with the people of Cross River North.
Also speaking, the Cross River State PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, commended the Senator’s decision and described it as courageous. He, however, noted that he would brief the State Executive Committee of the PDP for further consultations on the next line of action.
In a show of unity, the stakeholders present pledged their support for Governor Otu’s administration and the national reform agenda of President Tinubu. They expressed readiness to join the APC alongside Senator Jarigbe after wider consultations, describing the planned mass defection as a “strategic political alignment” to give Cross River North a stronger voice in state and national affairs.
Among those present at the Abuja meeting were Hon. Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Chief Austin Edibe, former Secretary to the State Government; Prof. Tom Ogar; Mike Aniah, Esq; Dr Dorn-Klamz Enamhe; Dr Paul Ibiala; and Hon. Peter Ignodor, among others.
Political observers have described the development as a significant setback for the PDP in Cross River, particularly in the northern senatorial zone where the party once maintained a firm hold.
If the planned defection materialises, it could potentially collapse the PDP’s political structure in the area and further consolidate the APC’s dominance as Governor Otu strengthens his influence across the state.
