Senator Jarigbe Plot Move with Supporters in Cross River North to APC
A major shift in Cross River State’s political landscape is taking shape as prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the northern senatorial district prepare to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with Senator Agom Jarigbe.
The development follows Senator Jarigbe’s recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, where he formally announced his defection to the APC.
Shortly after the meeting, he also met with the APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, in Calabar, pledging to strengthen the ruling party’s influence in the northern district.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media, John Agom, the senator was said to have hosted a high-level meeting in Abuja with influential PDP stakeholders from the region to deliberate on the area’s political future.
The meeting, held at Rockview Hotel, attracted former officeholders and notable grassroots leaders from across the senatorial zone.
According to the statement, discussions focused on aligning with what participants described as the “progressive direction” of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the reform-driven leadership of President Tinubu.
Explaining his decision, Jarigbe said his defection was driven by a commitment to contribute meaningfully to national development and ensure better representation for his constituents.
“My people should be assured that joining the ruling party will not stop me from empowering constituents or pursuing projects that address their needs,” he said. “Our consultations will continue as always. There are better days ahead.”
Reacting to the development, Cross River PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, commended the senator’s decision and said the party’s leadership would deliberate on the next course of action.
Stakeholders at the meeting reportedly resolved to work collectively with Governor Otu’s administration and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing their planned defection as a strategic realignment to strengthen Cross River North’s political relevance.
Among those present were 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 political leaders from the zone.
Political observers say the anticipated mass movement could redefine power dynamics in the state ahead of the next election cycle.
