Another senator elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jarigbe’s defection was formally announced on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday through a letter read by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.

In his letter, the lawmaker explained that his exit from the PDP followed months of internal crises and irreconcilable divisions that had crippled the party both at the national and state levels.

“I rise to formally notify you and the distinguished leadership of the Senate of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, on whose platform I was elected to represent the good people of Cross River North Senatorial District,” Jarigbe wrote.

“The decision came after deep and thoughtful reflection on the current state of my former party.

“It is with regret that I note the persistent and deep-seated divisions and the deliberate factionalisation at both the national and state levels as the primary reasons for my departure.

”Jarigbe said he decided to align with the ruling party to continue delivering effective representation to his constituents.

“In the light of the foregoing, and in the best interest of my constituents, I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress,” he added.

“I believe that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the steady guidance of the National Assembly, the APC provides a stable and progressive platform to deliver the democratic dividends expected by the people of Cross River North.”

Following the announcement, Barau welcomed Jarigbe into the party, saying, “You are most welcome. Please welcome him,” as senators across party lines applauded.

Jarigbe’s defection further strengthens the APC’s grip on Cross River State, where all three senatorial seats are now occupied by members of the ruling party.

The other two senators from the state are Eteng Williams (Cross River Central) and Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South).

His defection also increased the number of APC senators to 76, PDP 25, Labour Party 4, APGA 2, SDP 1, and NNPP 1, totalling 109.

His move comes amid renewed turmoil within the PDP, which has been engulfed in a leadership crisis that has split the party into two factions.

The rift pits loyalists of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum against a group allied with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The party’s internal conflict deepened after a Federal High Court in Abuja halted its planned national convention, initially scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Nigerian serving Federal lawmaker, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has thrown his weight strongly in support of United States military action in Nigeria to wipe out jihadist terrorists in the country.

Speaking to Journalists shortly before Tuesday’s plenary, the Senator who currently represents Abia North backs the President of the United States, Donald Trump when he said “he spoke the truth” about the mindless killings by Jihadists in Nigeria.

“Nigerians are being killed whether they’re Christians or Muslims. Are they not being killed? He asked.

The former Chief Whip said the terrorists are Nigeria’s common mortal enemies whose major objective is to destabilize and destroy the country and should be stopped by all means necessary -including using U.S military action to “smoke them out”.

Kanu told reporters that he has been in talks with two former US Presidents and at least 60 Senators regarding Trump’s military threat and that they’ve all promised to support Nigeria’s combat terrorists in the country.

Kanu further noted that Trump couldn’t have been flippant with his words,.

He pointed out that the American Intelligence community must have identified their specific targets, warning it’s wasn’t the time to show any form of pity towards terrorists.

He recalled how he dealt with armed militia group, Bakassi Boys when he served as Governor.

Commenting on the chances of the ruling All Progressives Congress at the polls in 2027, Kalu waved off the existence of any opposition political party that can wrest power from the party, predicting a walk over victory for President Bola Tinubu.

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For the second time in two weeks ,the People’s Democratic Party has suffered another legal setback as a Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the party from holding its 2025 National Convention in Ibadan.‎‎

Justice Peter Lifu issued the fresh order Tuesday, restraining the PDP from proceeding with the convention scheduled for November 15 and 16.

The court also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing any outcome of that gathering.

‎‎The ruling followed a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido.

Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, told the court he was denied the chance to purchase the chairmanship nomination form, effectively excluding him from the race.‎‎

Justice Lifu agreed, ruling that the PDP failed to comply with legal requirements for conventions, including publishing the timetable for members.

He stressed that due process must be strictly observed, warning that democracy itself is endangered when rules are ignored.‎‎

The judge further held that Lamido would suffer greater harm if unlawfully excluded, and noted that Lamido had undertaken to pay damages to the PDP should his suit later be deemed frivolous.‎‎This latest ruling mirrors an earlier decision.

On October 31, Justice James Omotosho of the same court issued similar orders, stopping INEC from recognizing the outcome of the convention if conducted.‎‎

Justice Omotosho ruled that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21‑day notice of meetings and congresses, which would have enabled INEC to carry out its statutory duty of monitoring. ‎‎

He warned that the party’s disregard for procedure placed the convention in jeopardy, and advised the PDP to comply with the law before proceeding with any election.