Introduction to Political Realignment
A wave of political realignment appears imminent in Cross River North Senatorial District, as key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have indicated plans to defect en masse to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.
Background on Senator Jarigbe’s Defection
Recall that on October 22, 2025, Senator Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North in the National Assembly, visited Aso Rock Villa to officially inform President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his defection to the APC. He subsequently paid a courtesy visit to the APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, Esq, in Calabar, where he pledged his readiness to work with the party leadership to consolidate its strength in the northern senatorial zone.
Strategic Meeting with PDP Figures
In continuation of his consultations, Senator Jarigbe on Tuesday convened a strategic meeting in Abuja with top PDP figures from the zone to review the evolving political landscape and chart a new course. His media aide, Mr. John Agom Agom, who confirmed the development, said the meeting — held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja — focused 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.”
Senator Jarigbe’s Address to the Gathering
Addressing the gathering, Senator Jarigbe explained that his defection was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to President Tinubu’s vision of national renewal. “My people should be assured that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering constituents or embarking on people-oriented projects to alleviate the sufferings in our zone,” he said. “Our regular consultations will continue; there are better days ahead.”
Reaction from PDP Chairman
Also speaking, the Cross River State PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, commended Senator Jarigbe for his bold political move and pledged to brief the state executive members for further consultations on the next line of action.
Anticipated Mass Defection
The stakeholders reportedly agreed to formally 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.” Prominent figures at the meeting included Hon. Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; 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.
Warning Against Defection
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chairman of the Labour Party in Cross River State, Dr. Austin Ibok, has urged Senator Jarigbe not to leave the PDP, warning that defection to the APC may offer temporary comfort but would bring long-term regret.
Conclusion
The impending mass defection of PDP stakeholders to the APC in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe is set to significantly alter the political landscape of Cross River North Senatorial District. As the stakeholders continue to consult and strategize, it remains to be seen how this realignment will impact the region’s political dynamics and the fortunes of the APC and PDP in the state.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe?
A: Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe is the representative of Cross River North in the National Assembly. - Q: Why did Senator Jarigbe defect to the APC?
A: Senator Jarigbe defected to the APC to contribute meaningfully to President Tinubu’s vision of national renewal and to give Cross River North a stronger voice in both state and national politics. - Q: Who are the prominent figures that attended the strategic meeting with Senator Jarigbe?
A: The meeting was attended by Hon. Godwin Offiono, Chief Austin Edibe, Prof. Tom Ogar, Mike Aniah, Esq, Dr. Dorn-Klamz Enamhe, Dr. Paul Ibiala, and Hon. Peter Ignodor, among others. - Q: What is the reaction of the PDP Chairman to Senator Jarigbe’s defection?
A: The Cross River State PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq, commended Senator Jarigbe for his bold political move and pledged to brief the state executive members for further consultations on the next line of action. - Q: What is the anticipated outcome of the mass defection?
A: The anticipated mass defection is expected to give Cross River North a stronger voice in both state and national politics and consolidate the strength of the APC in the region.
