Following the defection of former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Zana Akpagu, from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kakum, Obudu, northern Cross River State, the chairman of PDP in the state, Venatius Ikem, has stated that others would soon follow suit.
Ikem noted that many had long been waiting for the right time to cross over, adding that several had approached him and consulted about their return to the party.
He said Akpagu defected to PDP with a large number of his supporters from the Cross River northern district, including his former students who still hold him in high esteem.
He further stated that Akpagu, who has previously served in government as a special adviser and even led the campaign team of the current governor, Bassey Otu, during the last general election, would bring his political weight to strengthen the party.
He added that PDP still retains its structures, particularly in northern Cross River.
“Cross River northern district is largely impenetrable and formidable. With the return of Prof Akpagu, we have become even more formidable,” he said.
In a telephone interview on Sunday, Prof Akpagu declared that he had returned and was unafraid of the so-called might of APC.
He said such might could not intimidate politicians from other parties.
“The so-called might of the APC will neither deter nor debar my people and supporters from casting their votes for him in the next general election. There’s nothing like might. I’m not afraid, but you have to take risks in life,” he said.
On why he left APC, even as many dignitaries appear to be defecting from PDP and going the other way, Akpagu said: “An orchestra conductor doesn’t face the audience; he backs the people. But that doesn’t diminish his values or the musical output, yet the conductor remains the main man. I am not a multitude person. Besides, eagles don’t flock in numbers; they go in singles. I have returned to PDP, my original home.”
He asserted that most other politicians are PDP in spirit and in blood, except, perhaps, President Bola Tinubu, who has remained constant in one party.
Expect more defections from APC – Cross River PDP chairman Ikem
