By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – In a dramatic twist that sent ripples through the political landscape, the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe, on Tuesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His letter of defection, read on the floor of the Senate by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, cited persistent internal crises and irreconcilable divisions within the PDP as the major reasons for his exit.
“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,” Agom-Jarigbe wrote.
“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.”
The senator stated that after “deep and thoughtful reflection,” he chose to align with the APC in order 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. 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,” he added.
Following the announcement, the Deputy Senate President welcomed Agom-Jarigbe to the APC, prompting applause from senators across party lines.
The defection further tightens APC’s control over Cross River State, where all three senatorial seats are now held by members of the ruling party — Eteng Williams (Central) and Asuquo Ekpenyong (South) joining Agom-Jarigbe on the APC bench.
The move comes amid deepening turmoil within the PDP, which has faced a series of court orders restraining it from holding its national convention. Just hours before Agom-Jarigbe’s defection, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, barred the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with or recognising the outcome of the planned convention in Ibadan.
With the latest political realignment, the APC now controls 76 Senate seats, leaving the PDP with 25, while Labour Party holds four, APGA two, SDP one, and NNPP one.
Precise Post recalls that political analysts say Agom-Jarigbe’s switch marks another major blow to the already fragmented PDP, as the ruling APC continues to consolidate power across the country.
