The Senator representing Cross River North, Agom Jarigbe, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jarigbe announced his resignation from the PDP on Wednesday night after being led by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to meet with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He was accompanied by Senator Kaila Samaila from Bauchi North, who also joined the ruling party.
Speaking after the meeting, Senate President Akpabio described the senators’ decision as an act of patriotism, saying they were motivated by the president’s leadership and commitment to national development.
“They (Jarigbe and Samaila) are Mr. President’s children and his supporters. The President is the father of the nation and of all political parties,” Akpabio said.
He added that although the senators were elected on different party platforms, they chose to join the APC in recognition of President Tinubu’s policies, which he said have strengthened the economy and improved revenue generation.
“Their decision is driven by patriotism, not politics. They are more concerned about who can move Nigeria forward and ensure that citizens can have food on their tables,” Akpabio stated.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Senator Jarigbe said his defection was a personal decision aimed at supporting the president’s reform agenda.
“The president is really doing well, and I want to come in and support him in delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” he said.
With this move, Senator Jarigbe becomes the latest lawmaker from the opposition PDP to defect to the ruling APC, further reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
