By Abasi Ita
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has said the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress, alongside widespread endorsements for his second term bid and that of President Bola Tinubu, reflects growing public confidence in the party as a credible platform for addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
Otu stated this while receiving thousands of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party across the seven local government areas of Cross River South during a rally in Calabar.
Represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, the governor commended the defectors for what he described as a timely, bold and courageous decision.
According to him, “The rising wave of defections into the All Progressives Congress reflects growing public confidence in the current administration in the state and the party’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.”
The governor, who spoke through Ironbar at the rally held to galvanize APC stakeholders in the southern part of the state ahead of the 2027 elections, described the influx of over 2,000 defectors from various political parties as a clear endorsement of his administration’s people oriented policies and developmental strides.
He assured the new entrants of equal opportunities within the party, noting that the All Progressives Congress remains open and inclusive. He added that the administration would continue to pursue policies that positively impact the lives of citizens across the state.
The defectors, drawn from seven local government areas including Akpabuyo, Calabar Municipality, Odukpani and Biase, formally declared their allegiance to the APC and pledged support for the governor and the party at all levels.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a former Vice Chairman of Biase Local Government and Peoples Democratic Party House of Representatives candidate for Akamkpa Biase Federal Constituency in the 2023 election, said their decision was informed by confidence in the governor’s performance and a shared belief in what he described as progressive and result oriented leadership.
He said the defection cuts across political lines and communities and that the group is committed to strengthening the APC structure ahead of future elections.
“Over 2,000 of us have come together to join the APC and contribute to its success from the state to the national level,” he said.
Receiving the defectors, the Cross River APC Chairman, Rt Hon Sunny Etta, described the development as a sign of the party’s growing acceptance and dominance across the state.
According to him, the entry of members from other political platforms, including the ADC, reflects increasing confidence in the leadership of the APC.
He urged the new members to remain committed and patient, noting that politics should be driven by collective progress rather than personal interest.
Party leaders at the event also assured the defectors of full integration into the APC structure as efforts continue to consolidate the party’s influence in Cross River ahead of future political contests.