APC Chieftain, Zana Akpagu, Set To Defect To The PDP, Declares Support For Sen. Jarigbe
Judex OKORO
The former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Zana Akpagu, has concluded arrangements to defect to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Akpagu, a one time aspirant for the Cross River Northern Senatorial District bye-election, under the All Progressive Congress (APC), has declared total support for Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe ahead of 2027, disclosing that he will liaise with Engr Jacob and plan a bigger rally for his official defection to PDP.
Speaking at a town hall meeting organised by Sen Jarigbe Agom for his constituents at the weekend at the various local government areas, Akpagu expressed satisfaction at the
the overwhelming demonstration of love and support for Sen Jarigbe Agom, by the people of Bekwarra local government area.
He said: “I want to thank you all for this show of love you have shown to your son Sen Jarigbe Agom. I congratulate you for this solidarity.
"When we go back, we will discuss with Engr Jacob and plan a bigger rally for defection. I won’t move alone I will bring him to the PDP”.
Earlier, the former university don, had told his kinsmen in Obudu that it was "witchcraft for anyone not to identify with a performing leader like Sen Jarigbe Agom."
According to him, " I took Sen Jarigbe unaware and and jump into the bus with him. I will follow him through the five local government areas for the town hall meetings and I am sure that Sen Jarigbe won’t drive me away.
“I will come to my PDP ward chairman, the chapter chairman and perfect my membership registration process and then defect formally. For now I’m an illegal member”.
Speaking, the state party Chairman of the PDP, Mr Vena Ikem, Esq, described Prof Akpagu as "an uncommon Vice Chancellor, who used the office to empower Cross Riverians.
"I can tell you here that Ipong ward was blessed with two leaders, one a governor and the other a Vice Chancellor and both occupied a place of prominence.
"While the former governor was busy doing food on the table, Prof Zana preoccupied his thought process with giving people live long employments."
Speaking on behalf of Obudu, Mr Udie Mike, said the biggest achievement in Obudu by Sen Jarigbe is the return of the former Vice Chancellor, Prof Zana Akpagu to the PDP.
He assured that with the performance of the senator, more of the APC members are ready to defect to the PDP.
Recall that Prof Zana Akpagu was a foundation member of the PDP and a two time commissioner during Sen Liyel Imoke.
The former Vice Chancellor is said to have given appointment to not less than 10 persons in each of the 54 political wards in Northern Senatorial District.
