The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has described the defection of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairman, Hon. Barr. Venatius Ikem, and his supporters to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an extraordinary endorsement of Governor Bassey Otu’s People First mantra.
Odey, who represented Governor Otu, stated this on Saturday at a grand reception held in honour of Ikem and his supporters at the Obudu Council Secretariat Field, Obudu Local Government Area.
The Deputy Governor described the defection as a significant political development, reflecting changing political realities in Cross River and the growing appeal of the APC due to its people-centred governance.
Welcoming the defectors, Odey described the APC as the home of all progressives and the largest political family in Africa, where members enjoy equal opportunities regardless of when they joined.
"In this family, just like here in the state, there are no newcomers and no old-timers," he said.
To buttress his point, Odey recalled that he joined the APC less than three months before emerging as its deputy governorship candidate.
"I joined the APC less than three months before I became deputy governorship candidate. After that, I became Deputy Governor. That is the party, and that is what the APC can do for you," he stated.
In his remarks, the State APC Chairman, Rt. Hon. Chris Etta, welcomed Ikem and his supporters as bona fide members of the progressive family and expressed confidence that they would contribute to the party’s growth.
Earlier, the APC Chairman in Obudu, Comrade Joseph Odama, described the reception as historic and Ikem's defection as "one of the best signings for the APC," noting it would strengthen support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Otu and other APC candidates in Obudu and the Northern Senatorial District.
In his response, Ikem commended Governor Otu for his achievements and called for continued support beyond 2027. He also commended President Tinubu for addressing macroeconomic challenges but urged policies that translate reforms into affordable food and essentials for ordinary Nigerians.
Explaining his defection, Ikem cited the PDP's lack of clear direction, questioning how the party could prepare for elections when its own leader belongs to the APC campaign organisation. He also faulted the lack of visibility of the PDP's presidential candidate, pledging to add value to the APC ahead of 2027.
In separate goodwill messages, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar; State APC Women Leader, Mrs. Monica Ugi; Hon. Kenneth Aklah; and High Chief Dr. Tony Undiandeye, among others, commended Ikem's decision, expressing confidence it would strengthen the party.
In his vote of thanks, Chairman of Obudu LGA, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, thanked Governor Otu, party leaders and supporters for their presence and called for sustained unity.
Deputy Governor's Press Unit, Government House, Calabar
