A seismic political shift is underway in Cross River North as key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) signal their intention to defect en masse to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This development follows Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe’s recent defection to the APC, setting the stage for a potential reconfiguration of political power in the region.

Senator Jarigbe, the incumbent representative for Cross River North, formally took the step on October 22, 2025, when he visited Aso Rock Villa to brief President Bola Tinubu on his decision. He later met with the Cross River State APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, Esq., reaffirming his readiness to collaborate with party leadership to strengthen APC’s presence in the northern senatorial district.

In a strategic move to consolidate support, Senator Jarigbe convened a high-profile meeting with top PDP figures from the zone on Tuesday at the ROCKVIEW Hotel in Abuja. Discussions reportedly centred on aligning with the “progressive direction” of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration and President Tinubu’s reform-driven agenda.

At the meeting, Senator Jarigbe emphasised that his defection was motivated by a desire to contribute to national development under President Tinubu’s leadership. He assured the gathering that his commitment to constituency development and people-oriented initiatives would remain steadfast, despite the party realignment.

The gathering received strong backing from local PDP leadership. Venatius Ikem, Esq., Cross River State PDP Chairman, lauded Senator Jarigbe for his “bold step” and pledged to engage with the State Executive Committee on subsequent actions.

In a joint declaration, stakeholders at the meeting expressed their support for Governor Otu’s administration and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They confirmed plans to officially join the APC alongside Senator Jarigbe following broader consultations, framing the move as a strategic alignment intended to amplify Cross River North’s influence in both state and national politics.

Prominent attendees included Hon. Godwin Offiono of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Chief Austin Edibe, Prof. Tom Ogar, Mike Aniah, Esq., Dr. DornKlamz Enamhe, Dr. Paul Ibiala, and Hon. Peter Ignodor, among other party stalwarts.

Political analysts warn that the planned mass defection could deal a significant blow to the PDP’s structure in Cross River North, a historically stronghold region for the party. Should the exodus occur as anticipated, it would likely collapse the PDP’s political presence in the area and further consolidate APC dominance across Cross River State.

Akahi News gathered that stakeholders are now coordinating broader consultations with grassroots party members to finalise the defection strategy, signalling a decisive shift in the political landscape of Cross River North.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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