A former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enang Ayie Clan, Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State, Ntufam Maurice Omini-Iso, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring the PDP a “sinking ship.”
Omini-Iso, who led a group of supporters to the APC on Saturday, cited Governor Bassey Otu’s infrastructural achievements as the primary reason for his decision.
Speaking at an interactive session in Calabar on Monday, he commended the governor’s performance, particularly in road rehabilitation and other developmental projects across the state.
“Governor Otu has shown exceptional dedication to governance, especially in infrastructure. Roads in my area and other parts of the state have been repaired, proving that he is truly delivering democratic dividends,” Omini-Iso stated.
He further criticised the PDP for internal divisions and weak leadership, saying, “The PDP is deeply fractured and lacks direction. No serious politician would remain on a sinking ship when there is a better alternative.”
Omini-Iso, a businessman and grassroots mobiliser, expressed confidence that his move would enable him and his supporters to contribute to the APC-led administration’s development agenda.
He dismissed claims that his defection was motivated by fear of persecution, insisting that his decision was purely based on performance.
Among other notable Cross River PDP defections to APC were Lady Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe, the PDP’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate in Cross River State; Rt Hon Daniel Asuquo, a three-term House of Representatives member for Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency; and Professor Edde Iji, the state chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), along with hundreds of their supporters.
In her remarks, Ambrose-Amawhe praised Governor Otu and President Bola Tinubu for their leadership in security, agriculture, education, and infrastructure, stating that their achievements influenced her decision to join the APC.
Similarly, Asuquo, a former Labour Party senatorial candidate, lauded Governor Otu, Deputy Governor Peter Odey, and APC State Chairman Alphonsus Eba for fostering equity and inclusivity in governance. He pledged that his supporters would strengthen the APC’s electoral prospects in the state.
The event culminated in the formal presentation of the APC flag, constitution, and party insignias to the defectors by the state party leadership.
This development is expected to bolster the APC’s support base in Cross River State as Governor Otu continues to implement his administration’s development agenda.
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