Over 1,000 Residents Defect to PDP in Cross River’s Akpabuyo

More than 1,000 residents of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The defectors, said to be largely members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, announced their decision during a consultation visit by the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, to the area.

Archibong visited Akpabuyo to consult traditional rulers, political leaders, stakeholders and residents as part of his engagements ahead of the election.

Receiving the defectors, the PDP candidate described the development as the largest group to join the party since he commenced his consultation tour across the state.

He said their decision demonstrated confidence in the PDP and assured them that their support would not be taken for granted.

Archibong said residents of Akpabuyo and other parts of Cross River had been demanding effective governance, adding that his decision to seek the governorship was motivated by a desire to improve the state.

He commended the defectors for expressing their political preference by returning to the PDP and urged them to remain committed to the party.

Traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders who spoke during the consultation expressed support for Archibong, saying his decision to consult his people in his home community showed the importance he attached to grassroots engagement.

One of the defectors and a PDP chieftain in the area, Ene Effiom Akabom, said Archibong had contributed to the development of Akpabuyo.

“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.

The development comes amid increasing political realignments in Cross River State as political parties and their candidates intensify consultations and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The latest defection adds another dimension to the contest in Akpabuyo, where rival parties are expected to intensify efforts to consolidate their support bases as preparations for the election continue.