A great tsunami has swept across the opposition camp of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Cross River Central Senatorial District. The Tsunami, which began in Abi, through Yakurr, Obubra, Ikom and settling in Boki local government areas, carrying along in it weight, big names like, senior lawyer in the state, and former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Attah Ochinke. He was the flag bearer of the opposition People’s Democratic Party’s House of Representatives election representing Boki/Ikom federal constituency in the 2023 national assembly elections in the state, losing to the incumbent House of Representatives member, Hon Chief Victor Abang aka Mature.
Others in the defection list are, former chapter chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Boki Local Government Area, Mr Fabian Okwajie, One time media aide to Prof. Sandy Onor, PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, Ms Phylo Modlin Odu, has also joined the ruling party- APC in the state.
The defection coming at a time the opposition party is grabbling with internal crisis of lack of confidence among the top chieftains of the party is a big blow to the survival of the party, and a minus in our quest to deepening our democracy.
While Barr Ochinke defection took place in Wula, Okwajie’s defection was held in Buanchor. The other defection which was held at the weekend was held in Boki Local Government Area, and was joined by their numerous supporters and party faithfuls in the area.
Among the personalities who received the defectors were the member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Abang (Mature), Hon. (Mrs) Beatrice Nyiam, Executive Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Hon. Bette Obi, Member representing Boki I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Engr. Kelvin Njong, APC Chapter Chairman of Boki, and other APC chieftains.
According to the former PDP Chapter Chairman, Mr Okwajie, “Today marks a significant milestone in my political journey as I formally and officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). The process of my defection commenced at my polling unit in Buanchor Community, Boki Local Government Area, where I was warmly received by party faithful and grassroots supporters. The symbolic move was later amplified when I was joined by my mentor and leader, Barr. Attah Ochinke, as we were both officially welcomed into the fold by the leadership of the APC in Boki LGA.
Mr Okwajie stated that, “This move signifies not just a change in party affiliation, but a renewed commitment to participatory governance, community development, and progressive leadership under the platform of the APC. I look forward to working collaboratively with my new political family to advance the cause of our people and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Boki and Cross River State at large,” he stated.
