Senator Jarigbe Meets Tinubu, Set to Lead Mass Defection from PDP to APC in Cross River North

A major political realignment is unfolding in the Cross River North Senatorial District, as Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and other key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepare to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development follows Senator Jarigbe’s visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he officially informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his decision to join the APC.

In a statement released on Wednesday by his spokesperson, John Agom, the senator also confirmed that he had met with the APC State Chairman in Cross River, Alphonsus Eba, to declare his readiness to work with the party leadership in repositioning the APC in the northern senatorial zone.

According to Agom, Senator Jarigbe has already begun mobilising other influential PDP members and political figures to join him, signaling what could become a major shift in Cross River’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The move, if finalised, is expected to significantly alter the political equation in the northern senatorial zone,” the senator said. “My people should be assured that defecting to the ruling party will not stop me from empowering the constituents and embarking on people-oriented projects to alleviate their sufferings.”

Jarigbe also promised to maintain regular consultations with local stakeholders, assuring them of continued engagement and better days ahead.

The senator’s defection comes amid a wave of high-profile exits from the PDP in recent weeks, including that of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, further deepening the crisis within the opposition party.