Olusegun Ariyo
Former chairman of the Labour Party, LP, in Cross River State, Austin Ibok, has advised the Senator representing Cross River Northern district in the National Assembly on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, not to nurse the desire to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Ibok warned that defecting to the APC could lead to short-term gains but long-term problems, declaring that the PDP will not be deterred by defections.
In a statement released in Calabar to journalists, Ibok, now a PDP stalwart, stressed PDP’s commitment to democratic principles.
The PDP, he noted, will intensify efforts to mobilise support, strengthen grassroots structures, and engage with Nigerians on critical issues affecting the nation.
Ibok expressed confidence that the party will emerge victorious in 2027, ending the APC’s dominance.
“We will not be defeated by defections. We will organise, rebuild, and mobilise.
“Our mission is clear: to remove APC from power in 2027 and to rescue our country from the destructive policies and centralisation of power we see from Tinubu and his allies,” Ibok declared.
Ibok emphasised that they were prepared to face the challenges ahead, leveraging every available platform to ensure a robust opposition.
He called on PDP stakeholders to remain committed to building a strong opposition and reclaiming the trust of Nigerians at the polls.
“Let’s keep building an opposition that is principled, strategic and ready to reclaim the trust of Nigerians at the polls in 2027,” he said.
