2027: Mass Defection Looms as Senator Jarigbe Engages PDP Stalwarts in Cross River

A major political shake-up appears imminent in Cross River North Senatorial District, as key members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly preparing to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in solidarity with Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.

Senator Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North in the National Assembly, recently formalised his defection to the APC during a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on October 22, 2025. Following the announcement, he paid a courtesy visit to the APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, in Calabar, pledging his commitment to strengthening the party’s influence across the northern senatorial zone.

Continuing his political consultations, Jarigbe on Tuesday convened a strategic meeting with prominent PDP stakeholders from the district at Rockview Hotel, Abuja. The meeting, confirmed by his media aide, Mr. John Agom Agom, centred on what participants described as aligning with “the progressive direction of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration and the reform-driven agenda of President Tinubu.”

Addressing attendees, Senator Jarigbe explained that his decision to defect stemmed from a desire to contribute more effectively to national development under President Tinubu’s leadership.

> “My people should rest assured that joining the ruling party will not affect my commitment to their welfare,” he said. “Our empowerment programmes and constituency projects will continue, and we will keep engaging in regular consultations. There are better days ahead.”



The meeting was attended by several political heavyweights from Cross River North, including Hon. Godwin Offiono, member 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, among others.

Cross River State PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, who also spoke at the meeting, praised Senator Jarigbe for his “courageous political step” and revealed plans to brief the state executive for further consultations on the party’s next move.

Stakeholders reportedly agreed in principle to defect en masse to the APC alongside Senator Jarigbe, describing the planned move as a “strategic realignment” aimed at giving Cross River North a stronger voice in state and national politics.

However, not everyone supports the shift. Former Labour Party Chairman in Cross River State and PDP chieftain, Dr. Austin Ibok, cautioned Senator Jarigbe against leaving the PDP, warning that the defection could bring short-term relief but long-term political regret.

As 2027 approaches, Cross River’s political landscape appears set for a dramatic realignment, one that could reshape power dynamics in the state and redefine alliances ahead of the next general elections.