APC Chair Says Otu, Tinubu Leadership Fueling Opposition Defections in C’River
By Ekanem ASUQUO
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Alphonsus Ogar Eba (Esq., JP), says the growing wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party is a direct result of the leadership style of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, coupled with what he calls his “political evangelism” outreach.
Eba stated that the APC has continued to consolidate its hold on the state, particularly in Cross River North, following the reported plans by Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Hon. Godwin Offiono and the state-recognised PDP leadership led by Barr. Venatius Ikem to join the APC.
According to him, the ruling party is benefitting from renewed public confidence inspired by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and Governor Otu’s People-First governance model, which he said have made the APC more attractive to politicians seeking credible platforms for service.
He said many political stakeholders prefer aligning with a government delivering “visible development outcomes” rather than remain in a party grappling with internal disputes and what he described as outdated political sentiments.
Eba maintained that his political mobilisation strategy—tagged “political evangelism”—is anchored on peace, love, unity and growth. He added that it builds upon the political philosophy of former Governor Ben Ayade, whose move to the APC in 2021, he claimed, repositioned the party for dominance at the federal level.
The APC chairman argued that the PDP’s internal wrangling has left the party weakened and unattractive, prompting key figures to seek “political refuge” in the APC. He described the anticipated defection of Senator Jarigbe and his supporters as both “strategic and inevitable,” saying their entry will reinforce the APC’s strength in the state.
“This development is a clear indication that the political tide in Cross River North has shifted,” Eba said, insisting that the APC remains the rallying point for leaders seeking progress rather than recurring factional battles.
He assured that the party will continue to expand its membership base, strengthen internal unity and sustain the momentum that has positioned Cross River as an APC stronghold.
Political analysts, however, caution that while the APC enjoys current gains, effective management of internal politics ahead of congresses and primaries will be crucial to maintaining stability within the ruling party.
