The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Agom Jarigbe, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This political shift was publicly confirmed following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House on October 22, 2025, which was led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Jarigbe’s defection represents a significant realignment in the political landscape of Cross River North, with key PDP stakeholders reportedly ready to follow his lead and join the APC en masse. Jarigbe stated that his decision was motivated by a desire to contribute meaningfully to President Tinubu’s vision of national renewal. He assured his constituents that the defection would not hinder his commitment to empowering them or delivering people-oriented projects aimed at alleviating their hardships. He said, “My people should be assured that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering constituents or embarking on people-oriented projects to alleviate the sufferings in our zone. Our regular consultations will continue; there are better days ahead.”
The senator expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to drive progress in Cross River North and support the reform agenda championed by both Governor Bassey Otu and President Tinubu. The strategic consultations culminated in a meeting at Rockview Hotel in Abuja, where top PDP figures from the senatorial zone convened to assess the evolving political dynamics and discuss future steps. John Agom Agom, Senator Jarigbe’s Special Assistant on Media, confirmed the development and highlighted the alignment with what participants described as “the progressive direction of the state under Governor Bassey Otu and the reform-driven agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Prominent political actors in attendance included Hon. Godwin Offiono, representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; Chief Austin Edibe, former Secretary to the State Government; Prof. Tom Ogar; Mike Aniah, Esq; Dr. Dorn-Klamz Enamhe; Dr. Paul Ibiala; and Hon. Peter Ignodor. The gathering reportedly agreed to formally join the APC alongside Senator Jarigbe after broader consultations, describing the move as a “strategic realignment to give Cross River North a stronger voice in both state and national politics.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking to journalists after the State House meeting, characterized the defections as acts of patriotism motivated by appreciation for President Tinubu’s policies. He stated, “They [Jarigbe and Kaila Samaila] are Mr. President’s children, and they are his supporters. The president is the father of the nation and the father of all political parties.” He added that the senators joined the APC to support the progress made economically and in revenue generation under Tinubu, focusing on building Nigeria rather than party politics.
While the defection has been hailed by APC leadership as a boost, it has also sparked cautionary voices within the PDP. Dr. Austin Ibok, a PDP chieftain and former Labour Party chairman in Cross River State, warned Jarigbe that the move might bring short-term relief but could lead to long-term regrets.
Senator Jarigbe’s defection is a key development ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling potential shifts in power balances within Cross River State and the nation.
