By Abasi Ita
A new political equation is taking shape in Cross River State as Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has formally signaled his intention to join the All Progressives Congress, pledging to reinforce the party’s structure and build a united political front across the state.
Feelers to this emerged on Tuesday evening when the Senator visited the State Chairman of the APC, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, at his Abuja residence to announce his planned defection. Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North in the Senate, said his entry into the ruling party would help build a more formidable and cohesive APC ahead of future elections.
He confirmed that he had earlier met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, to notify them of his decision. Jarigbe described the move as strategic and geared towards aligning Cross River North with the state’s prevailing political direction.
Receiving him, the APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, described the party as an accommodating platform that remains open to credible and committed leaders. He dismissed claims that the party leadership was opposed to Jarigbe’s defection, insisting such speculations were unfounded and aimed at creating disaffection.
“As Chairman of the ruling party, I received him in my home and into the party as part of my political evangelical mission. The APC is like a church. Our doors remain open to everyone who subscribes to our values and party discipline,” Eba said.
He urged the Senator to embark on broad consultations with stakeholders at ward, chapter, and state levels to foster cohesion and consolidate support across Cross River North. He reiterated that the party’s core values of Peace, Love, Unity, and Growth (PLUG) will continue to drive APC engagements in the state.
Eba also appealed to party members to refrain from divisive comments, stressing that the collective focus must be on building a strong, united, and indivisible political institution for the benefit of all.
“Senator Jarigbe and anyone willing to move from the opposition to join the APC are welcome. I urge ward chairmen to open the party register for intending members ahead of our e-registration exercise,” he stated.
The development is widely viewed as a strategic boost for the APC, particularly in the northern senatorial district where the PDP once maintained significant dominance. Political analysts believe Jarigbe’s move could alter political loyalties and reshape future electoral dynamics in the state.