The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its position in the Nigerian Senate, increasing its membership to 76 senators after Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The announcement was made during a plenary session of the Senate, where the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, read Jarigbe’s letter of defection.

Senator Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North Senatorial District, cited internal divisions and disagreements within the PDP as key reasons for his decision to join the ruling party.

With his defection, the APC now controls all three senatorial seats in Cross River State, alongside Senators Eteng Williams (Cross River Central) and Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South).

Following Jarigbe’s exit, the PDP’s presence in the Senate has reduced to 25 senators, while other parties—including the Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—hold the remaining seats.

The PDP’s Cross River State chapter responded by describing the defection as a personal decision by Jarigbe, emphasizing that it would not affect the party’s broader structure or strategy in the state.

Political analysts have noted that the defection further consolidates the APC’s legislative dominance, potentially influencing committee assignments, legislative agenda-setting, and party dynamics in the Senate. They also highlight that such movements are not uncommon in Nigeria’s political landscape, where lawmakers often realign with ruling parties to enhance influence and access to resources.

Jarigbe’s defection underscores ongoing shifts in the political alignment of Nigeria’s National Assembly and signals a stronger position for the APC as it seeks to advance its policy priorities in the upper chamber.