From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
A former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu, has announced plans to defect to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Akpagu, a former aspirant for the Cross River Northern Senatorial District bye-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), also expressed support for Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe ahead of 2027.
Speaking at a town hall meeting organised by Senator Jarigbe for his constituents, Akpagu praised the senator’s performance and expressed satisfaction with the warm reception he received from the people of Bekwarra Local Government Area. “I want to thank you all for this show of love you have shown to your senator, Jarigbe Agom,” Akpagu said.
Akpagu revealed plans to liaise with Engr. Jacob to plan a bigger rally for his official defection to the PDP. “When we go back, we will discuss with Engr. Jacob and plan a bigger rally for my defection. I won’t move alone; I will bring him to the PDP with me,” he stated.
The PDP State Chairman, Venatius Ikem, described Professor Akpagu as a notable figure who used his office to empower Cross Riverians. “Prof. Zana is an uncommon vice chancellor who used his office to empower Cross Riverians,” Ikem said.
The Cross River North Senatorial District has traditionally been a stronghold for the PDP, with the party dominating the polls in the district during the last general elections. The planned defection of Professor Zana Akpagu from the APC to the PDP is likely to give the party a significant advantage in the 2027 elections.