Cross River PDP Dismisses APC’s Efforts to Take Over Northern District as Futile

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s ongoing political activities in the northern senatorial district as a waste of time, declaring that the region remains a PDP stronghold.

The reaction came as the entire APC-led government in the state relocated temporarily to the northern district to formally receive Peter Akpanke, a member of the House of Representatives representing Obudu/Bekwara/Obanliku (OBO) Federal Constituency, who recently defected to the party.

Despite APC’s control of two of the state’s three senatorial districts, the PDP insists the northern zone is out of reach for the ruling party.

Speaking in Obudu, where APC leaders gathered to welcome Akpanke, State PDP Chairman, Venatius Ikem, said the APC’s efforts would end in futility.

“What they are after is not just the OBO Federal seat. Their real target is Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe’s seat. But the north is loudly declaring that this is a no-go area. PDP will win both the OBO Federal Constituency and the Senate seat,” Ikem stated.

He claimed that even within APC ranks, many members were supporters of Senator Jarigbe, and dismissed the large crowds at APC events in the region as “hired.”

“OBO is PDP. Akpanke’s defection has only strengthened our unity and resolve. Our Senate seat in Cross River North is not for sale. It is non-negotiable. Their mission is dead on arrival and they know it,” he said.

Ikem, a former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, alleged that the APC was “frustrated” and advised the ruling party to accept political reality.

“There is no law that says APC must win all seats because the governor is APC. Our people in the north will vote based on performance, and there is nothing that will make them abandon Senator Jarigbe for any APC candidate,” he stressed.

In response, APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, expressed confidence that Akpanke’s defection would boost the party’s chances, describing it as a strategic win.

“If we fail to capture OBO, then we’re completely finished. We must do all we can to consolidate and win OBO for APC,” Eba declared.

Similarly, Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to Governor Bassey Otu, lamented the presence of opposition in the northern zone, stating, “It’s a shame that as a ruling party we still have pockets of resistance in Cross River North.”

The political contest between both parties continues to intensify as the 2027 elections approach.