The ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Senate grew stronger on Tuesday following the defection of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.
With his defection, the APC now commands 76 out of the 109 seats in the Upper Chamber, further consolidating its majority and legislative influence.
In his letter of defection read on the floor of the Senate, Jarigbe attributed his decision to the lingering divisions and leadership crises within the PDP, which he said had made it difficult for him to continue in the opposition party.
He stated, “The PDP in my state and at the national level is deeply divided, and this has affected effective representation of my constituents. I have therefore decided to join the All Progressives Congress to continue to serve my people under a stable and united platform.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while welcoming Jarigbe to the ruling party, described his defection as “a homecoming” and commended his courage and political foresight.
“The APC is a progressive family that continues to attract credible and visionary leaders. We welcome Senator Jarigbe to our fold,” Akpabio said.
Jarigbe, a former member of the House of Representatives, gained national attention in 2023 after defeating former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade in one of the state’s most closely watched senatorial contests. His move to the APC is seen as a major political boost for the ruling party in Cross River and the South-South region ahead of future elections.
Political observers say the defection further weakens the PDP’s presence in the Senate and underscores the growing realignments shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
