A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chairman of the Labour Party in Cross River State, Dr. Austin Ibok, has urged Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe not to leave the PDP, warning that defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may offer temporary comfort but would bring long-term regret.
Ibok, who described Jarigbe’s performance in the Senate as exemplary and a political wake-up call for the APC, said the lawmaker had become a rallying point for effective representation and must remain in the PDP to sustain the people’s confidence.
“I want to appeal to Senator Jarigbe — this is not the time to abandon the PDP. Defection may bring short-term comfort, but it will surely lead to long-term regret. You have become a face of performance and credibility in our party,” Ibok said in a statement issued in Calabar.
He dismissed claims that recent defections had weakened the PDP, insisting that the movement for change was intact and growing stronger ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We will not be defeated by defections. The movement is bigger than individuals. We are reorganising, reconnecting with the people, and preparing to defeat Tinubu and Otu in 2027,” Ibok declared.
The PDP stalwart stated that the opposition party was rebuilding its grassroots structures and deepening its engagement with Nigerians on issues of governance, inclusivity, and accountability.
He also commended Senator Jarigbe for redefining representation in Cross River North, saying his accessibility and developmental initiatives had raised the bar of public service and restored confidence in the PDP’s ideals.
Ibok called on party stakeholders to remain steadfast and continue strengthening internal unity, noting that only a principled and strategic opposition could reclaim the trust of Nigerians.
“Our mission is to restore hope, strengthen democracy, and present a credible alternative. The PDP will reclaim power in 2027,” he added.
