Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the lawmaker representing Cross River North Senatorial District, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
His defection was formally announced on Tuesday during plenary, in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read by the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau.
Mr Jarigbe cited persistent internal crises and irreconcilable divisions within the PDP at both national and state levels as the key reasons for his departure.
He wrote: “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 deliberate factionalisation at both the national and state levels as the primary reasons for my departure.”
Explaining further, Mr Jarigbe said his decision to join the APC was driven by his desire to continue delivering effective representation to his constituents within a more stable political environment.
“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.
Mr Barau, who presided over the session, formally welcomed Senator Jarigbe to the ruling party.
“You are most welcome. Please welcome him,” Barau said, as lawmakers across party lines applauded the defection.
Mr Jarigbe’s defection further strengthens the APC’s presence in Cross River State, where Governor Bassey Otu also hails from, consolidating the ruling party’s dominance in the South-South state.
