Senator Jarigbe quits PDP, defects to APC
Senator Agom Jarigbe, who represents the Cross River North Senatorial District, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His defection was formally communicated to the Senate through a letter read by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin during Tuesday’s plenary, as aired on NASSTV.
In his letter, Senator Jarigbe explained that his decision stemmed from “deep-seated and irreconcilable divisions” within the PDP at both national and state levels.
“I rise to formally inform you and the distinguished leadership of the Senate of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, the platform on which I was elected to represent the good people of Cross River North Senatorial District,” Jarigbe stated.
“After deep reflection on the current state of the PDP, I regret to observe that the party has been plagued by persistent internal crises and deliberate factionalism, which have made it impossible for me to continue.”
He further noted that his move to the APC was motivated by his desire to serve his constituents more effectively.
“In the best interest of my constituents and in pursuit of more impactful representation, I have decided to align with the All Progressives Congress. I believe that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and the stability of the National Assembly, the APC offers a stronger, more progressive platform to deliver meaningful governance,” he added.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin welcomed Jarigbe to his new party, prompting applause from other senators.
The defection comes at a time when the PDP is battling intense internal strife.
The opposition party is currently divided into two rival factions following a leadership dispute within its National Working Committee. Both camps—one loyal to Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and the other to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike—have suspended each other, escalating tensions within the party.
The crisis deepened on November 2 after a Federal High Court in Abuja halted the PDP’s planned national convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
