By Seyi Odewale
Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe has declared that his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) marks a renewed political commitment to strengthening the party’s dominance, not only in Cross River State but across the federation.
The lawmaker, who represents Cross River North Senatorial District, stated this during a series of consultation meetings with key APC stakeholders in Calabar.
The meetings were part of efforts to consolidate his integration into the ruling party’s structure following his high-profile defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Addressing the gathering, Jarigbe said his move was strategic and rooted in the need to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Bassey Otu’s development vision for Cross River State.
“I will be intentional about strengthening the APC’s dominance, not only in Cross River but nationwide. This consultation is about harmonising interests, fostering understanding, and giving every stakeholder a sense of belonging,” he stated.
The senator, who once defeated the immediate past governor of the state to clinch the Senate seat, described his defection as “a matter of conviction” driven by political realities and the need to ensure adequate representation for his constituents under the current administration.
He stressed that the APC’s growing influence across Nigeria was evidence of public confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and expressed optimism that the party would consolidate its hold ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, and his deputy, Sylvester Agabi, both welcomed the senator into the ruling fold, urging him to sustain his consultations and work towards building a unified political base founded on peace and mutual respect.
Party insiders view Jarigbe’s entry into the APC as a significant boost to the ruling party’s fortunes in the northern senatorial district, a zone historically contested between the APC and the PDP.
The senator had earlier met with President Tinubu in Abuja before formally announcing his defection, describing the engagement as “constructive and forward-looking.”
He pledged to work with federal and state leaders to attract development projects and foster greater political stability in Cross River North.
With his switch, the APC now controls all three senatorial seats in Cross River.
