BREAKING: Long-Serving Former Cross River Lawmaker, Essien Ayi, Dumps PDP for APC

Cross River State, long-serving former federal lawmaker, Essien Ayi, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ayi, who represented the Calabar South–Akpabuyo–Bakassi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for two decades, served from 2003 to 2023 under the PDP platform. His exit from the opposition party marks the end of an era for one of the most familiar political figures in the southern senatorial district of the state.

The former lawmaker lost his re-election bid in the 2023 general elections to the APC, a defeat that effectively ended his uninterrupted run in the National Assembly. Since then, Ayi has largely maintained a low profile, keeping away from public political engagements while observers speculated about his next move.

However, credible sources within the political circle in Calabar South disclosed that Ayi has, over the past several months, been quietly realigning with the APC-led government of Governor Bassey Otu. These behind-the-scenes engagements, the sources said, eventually culminated in his decision to formally part ways with the PDP.

According to the sources, Ayi exited the PDP about six months ago but deliberately delayed a public announcement, choosing instead to consult widely with political associates, loyalists, and stakeholders across his constituency. His official declaration for the APC is now expected to take place on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Ward 8 in Calabar South, his political base.

The defection ceremony is anticipated to attract party leaders, supporters, and APC faithful from across the local government area and beyond. Political observers say the event could turn into a major show of strength for the ruling party, particularly in a constituency that has historically been competitive.

More significantly, Ayi is expected to defect alongside over 5,000 of his supporters, many of whom have remained loyal to him despite his electoral loss in 2023. This mass defection is being described by analysts as a major boost for the APC and a significant blow to the PDP in Calabar South, where the opposition party has struggled to regain its footing since losing power in the state.

Ayi’s decision also underscores the continued internal challenges facing the PDP in Cross River State, which has witnessed a steady outflow of influential members since the APC took control of the state government. Several former PDP stalwarts have either defected or openly aligned with the ruling party, citing the need to remain politically relevant and closer to the centre of power.

Supporters of Ayi argue that his move is driven by pragmatism and a desire to contribute meaningfully to governance at the state and national levels. They maintain that aligning with the ruling party will give him and his followers a stronger voice in shaping policies and attracting development to the constituency.

On the other hand, critics within the PDP have described the defection as opportunistic, accusing long-serving politicians of abandoning the party during difficult times. Some party loyalists insist that the PDP will recover and rebuild its structures in Calabar South ahead of future elections, with or without Ayi.

For the APC, Ayi’s defection is being celebrated as further validation of Governor Otu’s growing influence and acceptance across the state. Party insiders believe the entry of a seasoned politician with deep grassroots connections will strengthen the APC’s structure in Calabar South and consolidate its dominance ahead of future political contests.

As Cross River politics continues to evolve, Essien Ayi’s defection stands as another reminder of the fluid nature of party allegiance in Nigeria’s democratic space—where experience, relevance, and access to power often shape political decisions more than long-held loyalties. All eyes will now be on Calabar South as the former lawmaker formally unveils his new political home.