Political tensions are mounting in Cross River North following Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe’s surprise defection from the PDP to the ruling APC last week, a move seen as a strategic defense against former Governor Ben Ayade’s reported desire to reclaim the senatorial seat in 2027. Ayade, who was defeated by Jarigbe in the 2023 election, is rumored to be preparing a comeback.
Jarigbe previously won the seat in 2020 and defeated Ayade again in the 2023 general election.
The current drama pits the incumbent against the former governor in the same party camp, prompting analysts to predict a fierce internal battle for the APC ticket in the district.
Ayade’s loyalists are already voicing strong opposition to Jarigbe’s entry. Emmanuel Unah, a political aide, issued a commentary warning of “dark clouds” and accused “certain politicians” of plotting to “reap where they did not sow.” He argued that political fairness requires newcomers to “stay on the queue” and respect the hierarchy established by those who built the party.
This echoes a long-standing grievance: when Ayade defected to the APC in 2020, his large entourage quickly seized key party structures, causing resentment and complaints of exclusion among foundation members. At a recent constitution review meeting, these aggrieved “original” members explicitly demanded that new joiners not be automatically favored for appointments.
The stage is now set for a major internal contest within the Cross River North APC that will likely redefine the area’s political future.
It seems the APC’s new addition has just brought his old rivalry along with him.
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