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From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Senator Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North Senatorial District, on Tuesday formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His letter of defection, titled “Notification of My Resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Decision to Join the All Progressives Congress (APC),” was read during plenary by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session.
In the letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the lawmaker who chairs the Senate Committee on Gas cited “deep-seated and irreconcilable differences” within the PDP as the reason for his exit, describing the party’s internal divisions as “persistent and debilitating.”
“This decision has been taken after deep and thoughtful reflection on the current state of my former party,” Jarigbe stated.
“It is with profound regret that I cite the prevailing and irreconcilable differences, as well as the persistent and debilitating factions within the party at both the national and state levels, as the primary reason for my departure.”
The senator further noted that the internal crisis had created an “untenable environment,” undermining the PDP’s ability to function as a “viable vehicle for the representation and advancement of the interests of my constituents.”
Explaining his choice of the APC, Jarigbe said his decision was motivated by the desire to align with a “stable and progressive platform” that could effectively deliver democratic dividends to his constituents.
“In light of the foregoing, and in the best interest of my constituents and my continued pursuit of effective representation, I have decided to join the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he wrote.
“I believe that the APC, under the leadership of 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 expectations of my people.”
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The announcement sparked excitement among APC senators, who rose in applause as the new member exchanged pleasantries and posed for photographs before being ushered to his new seat on the right wing of the chamber reserved for the majority party.
Tuesday’s formal declaration follows weeks of speculation, after Jarigbe and Senator Kaila Samaila (Bauchi North) were led by Senate President Akpabio to the Presidential Villa to meet President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking with journalists after that meeting, Akpabio described the defection as an act of patriotism, not politics.
“They [Jarigbe and Samaila] are Mr. President’s children and his supporters,” Akpabio said.
“They joined the Senate on different political platforms, but because of Mr. President’s economic reforms and his commitment to revenue generation, they found it expedient to join in building Nigeria. Theirs is nothing but patriotism.”
Senator Jarigbe, on his part, said he joined the APC because of President Tinubu’s performance and commitment to delivering good governance.
“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 Jarigbe’s defection, the APC now holds 77 of the 109 seats in the Nigerian Senate, further strengthening its majority and political dominance in the upper chamber.
