By Abasi Ita
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North has publicly clarified his position regarding the ongoing internal crisis between the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter chairmen and the State Chairman, urging party stakeholders to prioritise unity and avoid politicising his name ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Friday, the senator expressed concern over attempts to link him to the leadership dispute, describing such narratives as unfounded, premature, and misrepresentative of the issues at hand. He stressed that the tensions currently rocking the APC are broader than any individual ambition and should not be reduced to personal or senatorial interests.
Jarigbe, who recently defected to the APC, said he joined the party with a genuine intention to contribute to its consolidation and growth, not to instigate conflict. He emphasised that the crisis is statewide and requires calm, restraint, and collective maturity from party leaders.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and paid tribute to former Governor Ben Ayade, noting that he holds him in high regard. The senator, however, made it clear that he fully aligns with the directives and leadership of the incumbent governor, Senator Bassey Otu, whom he described as the Leader of the Party in the state and the guiding force for its long term stability.
“As a Senator of the Federal Republic, my responsibility is to offer effective representation to the people of Cross River North and support the development agenda of the governor. My commitment remains unwavering,” he stated.
Jarigbe appealed to aggrieved members to sheathe their swords and refrain from actions or comments capable of deepening divisions within the party.
He urged all APC faithful to rally behind Governor Otu’s leadership rather than allowing internal grievances to escalate.
“Our strength lies in our unity. If we must position the APC for victory in future elections, we must stand together as one,” he said.
The senator reaffirmed his willingness to support all efforts aimed at restoring peace and cohesion within the party, calling on members to place the collective interest of the APC above personal or factional considerations.