Senator Jarigbe Deepens Consultations Ahead of Formal Defection to APC

In what appears to be one of the most strategic political realignments in recent times, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has intensified consultations with key political stakeholders ahead of his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akahi News gathered that the consultations, which began earlier this week, are aimed at harmonising interests, promoting inclusion, and fostering unity among political actors within the district as Senator Jarigbe prepares to formally pitch his tent with the ruling party.

During the series of meetings held in Abuja, Senator Jarigbe, accompanied by Hon. Dr Gabriel Oluohu Bravo, JP, met with several prominent leaders from the northern part of Cross River State in a show of humility and strategic outreach. Among those visited were Ntufam High Chief Peter Ojie, Chief Fidelis Ugbo, Chief Wabilly Nyam, High Chief Thomas Udam, and Rt. Hon. Gabe Edi.

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The Road to APC: A Calculated Political Move

It will be recalled that Senator Jarigbe had, earlier in the week, formally announced his defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on the floor of the Senate. His move, according to insiders quoted by Akahi News, was long anticipated following months of subtle political signals and alignment with key figures in the ruling party.

Before making the official announcement, the Senator reportedly notified the leader of the APC in Cross River State, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, and the State Chairman of the party, Pol. Evg. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, out of respect for the party hierarchy.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Senator Jarigbe described his move as a deliberate decision to align with the President’s vision for a greater Nigeria.

“My coming into the APC is to support the good work President Tinubu is doing for Nigerians,” the Senator said, noting that his decision was also influenced by the developmental strides of Governor Otu across Cross River State.

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Building Bridges: Stakeholders Commend Jarigbe’s Consultation Efforts

During one of his engagements with stakeholders in Abuja, Senator Jarigbe reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Cross River North, pledging to serve with renewed vigour, focus, and vision. He assured his supporters that his defection was not merely a political shift but a strategic move to foster development, inclusion, and unity in the district.

Akahi News gathered that the ongoing consultations will continue across all wards and chapters in the district. The Senator’s team disclosed that his goal is to ensure that every political actor feels carried along before his official declaration ceremony, which is expected to draw massive attendance from both local and national leaders.

When he met with the APC State Chairman, Senator Jarigbe expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the APC’s presence in the Northern Senatorial District.

Responding, Pol. Evg. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, the State Chairman of the APC, commended the Senator’s inclusive approach and confirmed their meeting in Abuja. He revealed that he encouraged the Senator to deepen his consultations with party leaders and members across all levels.

“I advised him to engage widely with our leaders and stakeholders across wards, chapters, and the state to build a united front anchored on our party’s core values of Peace, Love, Unity, and Growth (PLUG),” Eba stated.

The Chairman further urged party members to exercise restraint in public commentary and avoid divisive statements capable of breeding tension or disunity within the party’s structure, especially during this sensitive period of transition.

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Analysts Predict Major Political Shift in Cross River North

Political observers who spoke with Akahi News believe that Senator Jarigbe’s formal defection to the APC could mark a turning point in Cross River North politics. Given his strong grassroots base and reputation as one of the most influential figures in the region, many see his move as a massive blow to the PDP, which has dominated the area for years.

Analysts note that the Senator’s decision might trigger a wave of defections from opposition camps, potentially leading to a complete realignment of political forces within the senatorial zone. Some of his loyalists, who described him as “a movement,” said his entrance into the APC will “collapse the remnants of the PDP structure” in the North.

According to Akahi News findings, several local government chairmen, youth leaders, and ward executives across the district have already expressed readiness to join the Senator in his political transition, citing his integrity, accessibility, and development-driven leadership.

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A Unified Future for Cross River North

As consultations continue and anticipation builds, Senator Jarigbe has consistently emphasised his vision for a unified and progressive Cross River North. His message, as captured by Akahi News during recent interactions, centres on partnership, inclusion, and the collective advancement of his people.

“I am not defecting for personal gain; I am doing it to open new opportunities for our people and to work with the government in power for the benefit of Cross River North,” he reiterated.

With this declaration, the political atmosphere in Cross River State has become charged, as supporters, stakeholders, and analysts keenly watch what could become one of the most defining political movements ahead of the next general elections.

If successfully executed, Senator Jarigbe’s formal entry into the APC could reshape the political balance not only in Cross River North but across the entire state.

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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