Another PDP Senator Dumps Party, Joins APC Over ‘Unending Crisis’

Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe, representing Cross River North, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His resignation from the PDP was contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and read during plenary on Tuesday by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau.

Jarigbe said he was left with no choice but to exit the party following months of turmoil and factional battles that crippled its structures at both 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,” he 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.”

Explaining his choice of the ruling APC, Jarigbe said the party provides a more stable platform for him to continue delivering governance to the people of Cross River North.

“In the light of the foregoing, and in the best interest of my constituents, I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress,” he said.

“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.”

After the letter was read, Deputy Senate President Barau responded, “You are most welcome. Please welcome him,” prompting applause from senators across political lines.

With Jarigbe’s defection, the APC now holds all three senatorial seats in Cross River State. The other senators are Eteng Williams (Cross River Central) and Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South).

APC Strength Grows to 76 Senators

The latest defection alters the numerical strength of parties in the upper chamber. The current configuration stands at:

APC – 76; PDP – 25; LP – 4; APGA – 2; NNPP – 1; SDP – 1, making a total of 109 senators.

Jarigbe’s exit marks yet another blow for the opposition PDP, which has faced a series of defections amid persistent internal wrangling nationwide.