Cross River PDP Crumbles Further as Top NEC Member, Hundreds of Supporters Defect to APC

Cross River PDP Crumbles Further as Top NEC Member, Hundreds of Supporters Defect to APC

 

 

The Cross River State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suffered a major blow as Chief Agbe Patrick, Ph.D., a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) and leader of the South-South NEC Caucus of National Ex-officio, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside hundreds of his supporters.

 

BREAKING: Court Sacks All Rivers PDP Exco Members Loyal to Wike

 

The defection was formally acknowledged on Friday by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey (Ph.D.), who was represented by the Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Hon. Christopher Agbeh. Describing Chief Agbe’s move as a “big fish caught at the right time,” Hon. Agbeh urged the new members to fully integrate into the APC and align with the party’s principles and structure.

 

“You are received as full members, not into any subgroup,” Agbeh assured, while emphasizing that the APC remains a united and inclusive party. He called on existing party members to embrace the defectors, particularly highlighting Chief Agbe’s vast political experience as an asset for the party.

 

APC Leaders Welcome the Defectors

 

The APC Ward Chairman of Mbube West Ward 1, Mr. Jonas Patrick Achong, expressed optimism about the defection, stating that Chief Agbe’s arrival would bring peace and unity to the ward ahead of future electioneering campaigns. Similarly, the Chapter Chairman of the APC, Mr. Paul Adinye, hailed the defection as a homecoming for Chief Agbe, who was a founding member of the APC during its formative years.

 

Adinye commended the Deputy Governor for orchestrating the defection of such a prominent political figure, describing the development as a strategic move that would strengthen the APC’s chances in upcoming elections.

 

Speaking on behalf of the State Chairman of the APC, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, the Vice Chairman North, Hon. Emmanuel Ateb, welcomed the defectors with open arms, stating that their addition marked an exciting new chapter for the party.

 

Chief Agbe Reflects on His Return

 

In his address, Chief Agbe expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reflected on his political journey. Having been part of the APC’s inception in 2014, he described his return as a homecoming and pledged his unwavering commitment to securing victories for the party in future elections.

 

“This is not just a political decision; it is a personal and collective commitment to align with a party that truly represents progress and unity,” Chief Agbe said.

 

Dignitaries Witness Historic Event

 

The defection ceremony was attended by a host of political heavyweights, including Dr. Chris Ojikpong, Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor; Mr. Emmanuel Anoh, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rice Value Chains; and High Chief Godwin Nyiam (Ph.D.), Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board. Others included Mr. Joe Isaji, State Organizing Secretary of APC; Mr. Festus Offum, Assistant Financial Secretary; and Hon. Ama Agboje, Executive Secretary of Ogoja Urban Development Authority, among others.

 

The event reached its climax with the formal induction of Chief Agbe and his supporters into the APC, marked by the presentation of the party’s insignia.

 

Implications for Cross River Politics

 

Chief Agbe’s defection is seen as a major blow to the PDP and a significant boost for the APC as the 2025 elections draw near. Political analysts believe the move could reshape the political landscape in Cross River State, particularly in the northern senatorial district, where Chief Agbe holds considerable influence.