By Frank Ulom
The Federal House of Representatives candidate for the 2022 Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency by-election, Hon. Mike Ede Usibe, has dumbed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Usibe defeated Barr. Godwin Offiono and Margaret Odey in the PDP primaries that held on Thursday, 3 February 2022, after polling 184 votes as against the latters who scored 45 and 5 votes.
However, Usibe lost the Saturday, 26 February 2022 Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency by-election to Hon. Jude Ngaji after scoring 20,590 votes as against Ngaji who polled 22,778 votes.
On 9 January 2024, Mike Usibe, a former Chairman of Yala Local Government Area and Chairman of ALGON, Cross River State, resigned from the PDP.
In his resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Igede Ward, Usibe said, “The subject above refers and I hereby tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, effective immediately. This decision is personal and made in good faith.
“I kindly request that you convey this message to the Party Leadership,” the letter signed by Usibe read.
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A month after his resignation from the PDP, Usibe joined the APC, stating support for Governor Bassey Otu as the major reason.
In a press statement signed by himself on 12 February 2024, Usibe said, “As a Statesman, the decision to support the Government of Cross River State, led by His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, is not only imperative but fundamental to the overall progress of our State. This historic move is a product of choice and conviction, driven by the need to support a government whose vision and programmes are tailored towards moving Cross River State forward.
“Today, there is a significant shift in the thought pattern and attitude of Cross Riverians due to the leadership insight of the Governor and his Team. Leadership is influencing people.
“The decision to join the APC is anchored on my belief in Prince Otu’s democratic credentials. In the recent re-run elections in Obanliku and Yala II State Constituencies, the stakes for the APC were considered high. Yet, the Governor against all temptations, chose not to influence the process. It is a strong statement of commitment to democracy that we cannot and should not wish away even in the face of tempting partisan pressures.
“In addition, the present Government in Cross River State has shown commitment to Agricultural revolution, transparent and good governance, multi-sector policies, infrastructural development and urban renewal, gender equality, environmental sustainability, productive workforce, quality healthcare system, urban-rural linkages, inclusiveness and social justice.
“There is a season and time for everything. I therefore call on Cross Riverians to see this as a movement where we join hands to build the Cross River of our dreams.
“I appreciate my brother and friend, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor Rt. Hon Peter Agbe Odey, for being very forthright and accommodating. I also extol the State Leadership of the APC led by Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba for the warm reception accorded me so far. Be assured of my total commitment and loyalty to the APC henceforth, as I have always done in my political and professional life, whenever I believe in a cause. I am truly a ‘Party Man’.
“Finally, I unreservedly and with great conviction announce my formal movement to the All Progressive Congress (APC), alongside my army of supporters, as we bring our wealth of experiences to grow the Party, our dear State and the Country.”
