Another senator elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jarigbe’s defection was formally announced on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday through a letter read by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.
In his letter, the lawmaker explained that his exit from the PDP followed months of internal crises and irreconcilable divisions that had crippled the party both at the national and state levels.
“I rise to formally notify you and the distinguished leadership of the Senate of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, on whose platform I was elected to represent the good people of Cross River North Senatorial District,” Jarigbe wrote.
“The decision came after deep and thoughtful reflection on the current state of my former party.
“It is with regret that I note the persistent and deep-seated divisions and the deliberate factionalisation at both the national and state levels as the primary reasons for my departure.”
Jarigbe said he decided to align with the ruling party to continue delivering effective representation to his constituents.
“In the light of the foregoing, and in the best interest of my constituents, I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress,” he added.
“I believe that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the steady guidance of the National Assembly, the APC provides a stable and progressive platform to deliver the democratic dividends expected by the people of Cross River North.”
Following the announcement, Barau welcomed Jarigbe into the party, saying, “You are most welcome. Please welcome him,” as senators across party lines applauded.
Jarigbe’s defection further strengthens the APC’s grip on Cross River State, where all three senatorial seats are now occupied by members of the ruling party.
The other two senators from the state are Eteng Williams (Cross River Central) and Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South).
His defection also increased the number of APC senators to 76, PDP 25, Labour Party 4, APGA 2, SDP 1, and NNPP 1, totalling 109.
Read also: Court stops PDP national convention again
His move comes amid renewed turmoil within the PDP, which has been engulfed in a leadership crisis that has split the party into two factions.
The rift pits loyalists of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum against a group allied with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The party’s internal conflict deepened after a Federal High Court in Abuja halted its planned national convention, initially scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
