By Hope Agbaji
The senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Sen. Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe on Tuesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Agom-Jarigbe’s letter of defection was read by Deputy Senybijpate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary.
The lawmaker explained in the letter that his exit from PDP followed months of internal crises and irreconcilable divisions that had crippled the party 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.
“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,” he stated.
Jarigbe said that 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.
“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, Barau welcomed Agom-Jarigbe into APC, saying, “You are most welcome. Please welcome him,” as senators across party lines applauded.
The senator’s defection has further strengthened APC’s grip on Cross River, 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).
PDP’s internal conflict deepened after a Federal High Court in Abuja halted its planned national convention, initially scheduled for Nov. 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
Another Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, on Tuesday, also restrained the PDP from holding the convention.
It also barred INEC from supervising, monitoring, or recognising the outcome of the convention; the party went ahead in defiance of the court order.
Agom-Jarigbe’s defection, the configuration of the senate across political parties shows APC having 76 seats, PDP 25, Labour Party four, APGA two, SDP one, and NNPP one.
