By Abasi Ita
A major political realignment appears to be underway in Cross River North as key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party have indicated readiness to join the All Progressives Congress in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.
The development follows Senator Jarigbe’s recent visit to the Presidential Villa where he formally informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his decision to join the ruling party.
This was proceeded with a visit to the Cross River State Chairman of the APC, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, in Abuja, where he restated his commitment to work with the party’s leadership to strengthen its structure in the northern senatorial district.
As part of his ongoing consultations, Senator Jarigbe convened a meeting with prominent PDP figures from Cross River North on Tuesday at Rockview Hotel, Abuja, to review the political situation and agree on a collective direction. The outcome of the meeting is expected to reshape the political landscape of the zone ahead of the next election cycle.
Deliberations reportedly focused on aligning with what participants described as the progressive governance of Governor Bassey Otu in the state and the reform driven agenda of President Tinubu at the federal level. The stakeholders expressed the view that the region stands to benefit more by joining forces with the ruling party at both state and national levels.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Jarigbe said his move to the APC is driven by the desire to support the President in repositioning the country for greater development. He assured that his defection will not affect his commitment to people oriented projects and empowerment programmes for constituents. He also pledged continuous consultations with stakeholders, noting that better days lie ahead for Cross River North.
In his remarks, PDP State Chairman Venatius Ikem commended Senator Jarigbe for the bold step already taken and promised to consult with the State Executive Committee for further deliberations on the matter.
At the end of the meeting, the stakeholders openly declared support for the administration of Governor Otu and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. They also announced their intention to formally join the APC after wider consultations, describing the move as a strategic political alignment that will give Cross River North a stronger voice at the state and federal levels.
Those in attendance included Hon Godwin Offiono, member representing Ogoja Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Austin Edibe, former Secretary to the State Government, Prof Tom Ogar, former SSG Mike Aniah, Dr Dorn Klamz Enamhe, Dr Paul Ibiala, Hon Peter Ignodor and several other political leaders from the zone.
Political observers consider the development a significant blow to the PDP in Cross River, particularly in the northern senatorial district where the party once maintained firm control. If the planned defection materialises, it could weaken the PDP structure in the zone and boost the APC as Governor Otu continues to consolidate his influence across the state.