By Joy Umo
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Political Evangelist Alphonsus Ogar Eba (Esq., JP), has attributed the declining fortune of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to what he described as the effective leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and a “divinely inspired” style of political mobilisation he calls political evangelism.
Commenting on the unfolding political scenario in the state while interacting with journalists, Eba said the APC’s growing influence across the state, particularly in the Northern Senatorial District, has been boosted by the expected defection of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Hon. Godwin Offiono and the state’s legally recognised PDP structure led by Barr. Venatius Ikem.
He noted that the party is benefiting from the goodwill generated by President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Otu’s People-First governance model, which he claimed have restored public trust and positioned the APC as “the preferred platform for credible political actors committed to development.”
According to him, many political stakeholders are choosing to align with “a government delivering visible results” rather than remain in a party he said is “burdened by expired sentiments and leadership crises.”
Eba described his “political evangelism” approach as a divine mandate built on peace, love, unity and growth. The APC Chairman said the strategy complements former Governor Ben Ayade’s “Back to the Centre” political philosophy, adding that Ayade’s defection to the APC in May 2021 “ended the dark clouds over the party.”
Eba further argued that the PDP’s internal conflicts have weakened the opposition, making it unattractive and pushing key political figures towards the APC. He described the anticipated move by Senator Jarigbe, Hon. Offiono and their supporters as “a smart and strategic rescue from a sinking platform,” and their reception as a demonstration of inclusiveness under Governor Otu’s leadership.
“Their arrival is a strong signal that the political tide in Cross River North has shifted,” he said, describing Senator Jarigbe’s expected entry as a major blow to the PDP.
Eba assured that the APC will continue to expand its structures, strengthen internal cohesion and sustain the momentum that has positioned Cross River as a complete APC stronghold.
Political observers, however, warn that while the trend signals a shrinking opposition, the APC must effectively manage internal politics ahead of upcoming congresses and party primaries to avoid potential cracks.