The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) senators in the National Assembly has risen to 76 following the defection of lawmaker representing Cross River North, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Jarigbe, who had earlier announced his intention to join the ruling party last week, formally crossed to the APC during plenary on Tuesday.
His defection letter was read by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session.
Explaining his decision the defect to the ruling party, Senator Jarigbe cited “divisions within the PDP” as the reason for leaving the opposition party.
With his defection, the PDP now holds 25 seats in the Senate, while the Labour Party has 4, APGA has 2, SDP holds 1, and NNPP has 1, bringing the total number of senators to 109.
The development also meant that all three senatorial seats in Cross River State are now occupied by APC, including Senator Eteng Williams (Cross River Central) and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South).
In his letter, Jarigbe said, “This decision was taken after deep and thoughtful reflection on the current state of my former party. It is with profound regret that I cite the prevailing deep-seated and irreconcilable differences, as well as the persistent and deliberate factions within the party at both the national and state levels, as the primary reason for my departure.”
He added that the APC provides a more stable and progressive platform for him to serve his constituents.
“In light of the foregoing, and in the best interests of my constituents and my continued pursuit of effective representation, I have decided to join the ranks of the All Progressives Congress.
“I believe that the APC, under the leadership of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and your own steady leadership of the National Assembly, provides the stable and progressive platform necessary to deliver on the mandate and democratic dividends expected by the people of Cross River North,” he said.
The defection comes amid renewed turmoil within the PDP, which remains deeply divided following a leadership tussle within its National Working Committee (NWC).
The crisis has resulted in the suspension of members from both factions, escalating tensions within the opposition party.
