A wave of defections from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has swept through the Calabar Municipal Local Government Area of Cross River State, with prominent figures like Francis Effiom leading the charge alongside numerous supporters.
Bernard Iso, the Chairman of Ward 8 and one of the defectors, articulated that their shift aims to actively support Governor Bassey Otu’s administration rather than undermine it.
“This decision comes from a clear understanding of the situation. Governor Prince Bassey Otu has demonstrated both ability and a commitment to improving the lives of our citizens. I speak for my area, Ward 8, Ikot Ansa, within the Calabar Municipal Council,” Iso stated.
He highlighted the governor’s achievements, noting that within just one year of taking office, Otu has successfully repaired two significant roads in their community. One of these roads connects the highway at Zone 6 to the NPC depot and the industrial park, where a majority of the tank farms in Calabar are located.
“Previously, that road was nearly impassable until Prince Bassey Edet Otu assumed office. Today, it has transformed into a dual carriageway stretching from Murtala Mohammed Highway all the way to the Calabar River,” Iso continued.
Additionally, he mentioned the eastern side of their community, where Otu has recently inaugurated a road project that commenced from their area. “Despite being in office for just a year, the first phase of this road has already been commissioned. Moreover, our local road on Asim Itah Street, which had languished in neglect for years, has also been addressed by Prince Bassey Edet Otu,” he remarked.
Effiom urged undecided supporters to follow suit and join the APC, saying, “If we, who form the backbone of the PDP—myself, the ward leader Ntufam Bernard Iso, and the entire ward structure—have moved to the APC, then everyone else should consider doing the same.”
The defectors celebrated their transition by singing solidarity songs, wielding brooms, chanting APC slogans, and pledging their continued loyalty to the ruling part
