Fresh political tensions are emerging in Cross River North, Nigeria, as former Governor Prof. Ben Ayade is reportedly planning to reclaim the senatorial seat he lost in 2023. This development is unsettling the district’s political balance ahead of the 2027 elections. The situation follows Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe’s surprise defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) last week. Jarigbe currently represents Cross River North in the National Assembly.

Ayade’s interest in the senatorial seat may have prompted Jarigbe’s defection, which is seen as a strategic move ahead of the 2027 elections. Jarigbe had previously won the senatorial seat in a by-election in 2020, defeating Ayade’s preferred candidate, Dr. Stephen Odey. He again defeated Ayade in the 2023 general election, polling 76,145 votes to Ayade’s 56,595.

The defection of Jarigbe to the APC has raised concerns among some politicians in the district. Emmanuel Unah, a journalist and political aide, warned of “dark clouds hovering” over the district, accusing certain politicians of plotting to “reap where they did not sow.” Unah argued that those who have made sacrifices for the party deserve to benefit from their efforts, rather than having newcomers take senior positions.

This issue is not new to the APC in Cross River State. When Ayade defected from the PDP to the APC in 2020, many of his cabinet members followed him, taking control of key party structures and appointments. This move triggered resentment among foundation members, who felt neglected and excluded. At a recent South-South APC constitution review meeting, some of these members demanded that new joiners should not be automatically favored for appointments and leadership positions.

The state APC chairman, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, acknowledged their grievances and assured that their concerns had been noted. With both Ayade and Jarigbe now in the same political camp, analysts predict a fierce internal battle for control of the APC in Cross River North as 2027 approaches. This contest is likely to redefine the district’s political landscape and have significant implications for the upcoming elections. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the APC will address the concerns of its members and navigate the challenges ahead.