His defection was formally announced on Tuesday during plenary, after Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin read his letter of resignation on the Senate floor.
In the letter, Jarigbe attributed his decision to leave the PDP to prolonged internal crises and irreconcilable divisions within the party at both the national and state levels.
> “It is with regret that I note the persistent and deep-seated divisions and deliberate factionalisation at both the national and state levels as the primary reasons for my departure,” he stated.
The lawmaker said he decided to align with the ruling APC to ensure effective representation for his constituents and to join what he described as a more stable and progressive political platform.
> “In the best interest of my constituents, I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress. I believe that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly, the APC provides a stable and progressive platform to deliver the democratic dividends expected by the people of Cross River North,” Jarigbe added.
Following the announcement, Deputy Senate President Barau welcomed him to the ruling party, prompting applause from senators across party lines.
Jarigbe’s defection further strengthens the APC’s dominance in Cross River State, as all three senators from the state — Eteng Williams (Cross River Central) and Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) — now belong to the ruling party.
Meanwhile, the PDP continues to grapple with internal turmoil following a Federal High Court ruling that halted its planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja also restrained the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with or recognising the convention.
With Jarigbe’s defection, the current composition of the Senate stands as follows: APC – 76 seats; PDP – 25; Labour Party – 4; APGA – 2; SDP – 1; NNPP – 1.
