The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Venatius Ikem, has predicted more defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following the recent return of Professor Zana Akpagu to the PDP.
Akpagu, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, defected to the PDP in Kakum, Obudu, in the northern district of Cross River State, bringing along numerous supporters from the region.
Strategic Defection Strengthens PDP
Ikem revealed that many APC members have been waiting for the right opportunity to cross over to the PDP. "Many had long been waiting for the right time to cross over, and several had approached me and consulted about their return to the party," he stated.
The PDP chairman emphasized that Akpagu's political weight would significantly strengthen the party, noting that the professor previously served as a special adviser in government and led the campaign team of the current governor, Bassey Otu, during the last general election.
"Cross River northern district is largely impenetrable and formidable. With the return of Prof Akpagu, we have become even more formidable," Ikem declared, adding that the PDP still maintains strong structures, particularly in northern Cross River.
Akpagu Explains His Decision
In a telephone interview on Sunday, Professor Akpagu expressed confidence in his decision to return to the PDP, dismissing concerns about the APC's political influence.
"The so-called might of the APC will neither deter nor debar my people and supporters from casting their votes for him in the next general election. There's nothing like might. I'm not afraid, but you have to take risks in life," he stated.
When questioned about his departure from the APC while others seem to be moving in the opposite direction, Akpagu offered a philosophical response: "An orchestra conductor doesn't face the audience; he backs the people. But that doesn't diminish his values or the musical output, yet the conductor remains the main man. I am not a multitude person. Besides, eagles don't flock in numbers; they go in singles. I have returned to PDP, my original home."
The professor further claimed that most politicians are "PDP in spirit and in blood," with the exception of President Bola Tinubu, whom he acknowledged has remained consistent with one party throughout his political career.
This development comes amid ongoing political realignments in Cross River State as parties prepare for future electoral contests.
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