More than 1,000 residents of Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defectors, predominantly former members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), announced their switch during a consultation tour by the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong.
Welcoming the new members, Archibong described the mass defection as the largest single turnout recorded since the launch of his statewide consultation tour, noting that it reflects growing trust in the opposition platform.
“This demonstrates public confidence in our party, and we promise that their support will not be taken for granted,” Archibong stated. He added that his bid for the governorship is anchored on a collective demand for effective leadership and a commitment to rescuing the state from current developmental stagnation.
Traditional rulers, political figures, and community stakeholders who spoke during the visit commended Archibong for prioritizing grassroots engagement by returning home to consult his immediate constituency.
Ene Effiom Akabom, a PDP chieftain and representative of the defectors, noted that Archibong’s past community investments heavily influenced their collective decision.
“Ete Jarvis is of our own stock. He has impacted us collectively. This is one of the reasons we have taken the collective decision to return and join him in PDP,” Akabom said, adding, “Our message is that Akpabuyo is PDP and PDP is Akpabuyo.”
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