Massive Shake-Up: PDP, Labour Party Bigwigs Dump Parties, Join APC In Cross River

Several key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State.

Notable among the defectors are Lady Emana Duke Ambrose, the PDP’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate; Daniel Asuquo, a former Labour Party senatorial candidate and three-term representative for Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency; and Professor Edde Iji, the state chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). They were joined by a large number of their supporters.

 Ntufam Maurice Omini-Iso, a former PDP stalwart from the Enang Ayie Clan in Calabar Municipality, has also joined the APC.

Speaking at an interactive session held in Calabar on Monday, Omini-Iso praised Governor Bassey Otu’s performance, especially in road repairs and other developmental initiatives across the state.

“Governor Otu has shown strong commitment to governance, particularly in infrastructure. Roads in my area and beyond have been rehabilitated, which demonstrates that he is fulfilling his promises,” he stated.

Omini-Iso criticized the PDP, describing it as fractured and lacking direction, adding that no serious politician would remain with a party he referred to as a “sinking ship.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Lady Emana Ambrose cited the leadership of Governor Otu and President Bola Tinubu in key areas such as security, agriculture, education, and infrastructure as reasons for her defection.

Daniel Asuquo, who was officially welcomed into the APC alongside Ambrose by Governor Otu on Saturday, pledged to support both the governor and President Tinubu in future elections.

“For the first time in Cross River State, the President will win overwhelmingly. With the Obedient movement aligning with APC and the support of my allies from PDP, we’re confident of delivering 500,000 votes for Governor Otu and President Tinubu in 2027,” Asuquo declared.