By Abasi Ita
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially received Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North Senatorial District into the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political realignment in the state’s political landscape.
The defection, which took place on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, also saw Senator Agom’s colleague, Senator Kaila, formally welcomed into the ruling party by the President.
Speaking during the brief ceremony, President Tinubu expressed delight over their decision to join the APC, describing it as a move that reflects confidence in his administration’s renewed hope agenda and ongoing efforts to reposition the nation.
He assured the lawmakers of equal opportunity and inclusiveness within the party, urging them to work with other stakeholders to promote unity and development in their respective constituencies.
Senator Jarigbe, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said his decision to join the APC was driven by the need to align with the political direction of his state and to support the President’s policies aimed at economic recovery and national stability.
He commended President Tinubu for his leadership style and reforms, which he said were beginning to yield positive results.
Also speaking, Senator Kaila thanked the President and the party leadership for the warm reception, pledging loyalty and commitment to the goals of the APC.
Party insiders described the lawmakers’ defection as a major boost for the APC, particularly in Cross River State, where Senator Jarigbe’s political influence is considered strong ahead of future elections.