*By Hon PST Bill Francis*
A PDP stalwart and party executive in Yakurr LGA, Cross River State, has defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC) along with 15 new members. This defection occurred on November 18, 2024.
The defectors include Comr Godswill Ayang, Mr Elijah Ina Usang, Mr Friday Eni Igri, Mr Oyoke Sunday Ayang, Mr Ibiang Ina Ikoi, Mr Andrew Sunday Bassey, Mr Osuwake Thompson Ikoi, Mr Godstime Joseph Ina, Mr Eric Ikpi Abam, Bassey Oboma Itam, Mr Peter Uduma Bassey, Mr Wisdom Nnanke Ayang, Ubi Bassey Ubi, Mr Joshua Efa Abam, and Mr Onen Omini Ibor.
Notable APC members who received the defectors included Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Comr. Dan Obo jnr, Yakurr Council chairman Comr. Obuli Arikpo, and Okoi Comr Ofem, the organizing secretary for the Central Senatorial district.
This defection is part of a larger trend of politicians defecting from opposition parties to the APC. As the 2024 elections approach, it is likely that we will see more defections and realignments in the Nigerian political landscape.
The APC has been gaining momentum in Cross River State, with several high-profile defections in recent months.