Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State is on the brink of collapse following the defection of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move has triggered a major realignment of political forces in the northern senatorial district.
Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North District in the Senate, officially joined the APC after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he pledged loyalty to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Bassey Otu’s administration.
His defection has since sparked a coordinated exodus of top PDP figures across the senatorial zone, marking what political observers described as the most significant shake-up in Cross River politics since the 2019 elections.
The senator’s subsequent visit to APC State Chairman Alphonsus Eba and a follow-up strategy meeting with political stakeholders at Rockview Hotel, Abuja, have intensified speculation about the total collapse of the PDP structure in the North.
Stakeholders at the Abuja meeting, attended by serving and former PDP officeholders, reportedly resolved to join the “progressive direction” of the ruling APC, citing the need to align with Tinubu’s economic and governance reforms.
Jarigbe said his move was driven by a desire to attract more development projects and empowerment opportunities to his constituents.
Reacting to the development, PDP State Chairman Venatius Ikem admitted that the senator’s exit was a major loss but commended his courage, adding that the party would soon review its strategy in light of the unfolding realignment.
However, his remarks have further fuelled speculation that more defections are imminent.
Meanwhile, prominent figures who have expressed support for Jarigbe’s move include House of Representatives member, Godwin Offiono (Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency); former Secretary to the State Government, Austin Edibe; Prof. Tom Ogar, Mike Aniah, Dr DornKlamz Enamhe, Dr Paul Ibiala, and Peter Ignodor.
Political analysts said that the defection could effectively dismantle the PDP’s last stronghold in the state, as the party continues to grapple with internal divisions and the dominance of the APC under Governor Otu.
A party stakeholder, Emmanuel Omini, described the development as a strategic political calculation.
