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 Edet Otu’s People First mantra.
Odey, who represented Governor Otu, made the remarks on Saturday during a grand reception organised in honour of Ikem and his supporters at the Obudu Council Secretariat Field in Obudu Local Government Area.
The Deputy Governor described Ikem’s defection from the PDP to the APC, alongside his supporters, as a significant political development, noting that it reflected changing political realities in Cross River State and the growing appeal of the APC, which he attributed to the administration’s people-centred approach to governance.
Odey reaffirmed that Governor Otu’s People First mantra remained central to the administration’s commitment to citizens’ welfare and development-oriented policies and programmes.
Welcoming Ikem and his supporters into the APC, the Deputy Governor described the party as the home of all progressives and the largest political family in Africa, offering members equal opportunities and privileges to grow politically, regardless of when they joined.
“In this family, just like here in the state, I believe there are no newcomers and no old-timers,” he said.
To illustrate his point, Odey recalled that he joined the APC less than three months before emerging as the party’s deputy governorship candidate, a development that culminated in his becoming Deputy Governor of the state.
“I joined the APC less than three months before I became a deputy governorship candidate. After that, I became the Deputy Governor of Cross River State. That is the party, and that is what the APC can do for you,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Cross River State APC Chairman, Rt. Hon. Chris Etta, welcomed Ikem and his supporters into the governing party, describing them as bona fide members of the progressive family.
Etta commended Ikem for his decision to join the APC and support the Otu administration, noting the government’s commitment to people-centred governance. He expressed confidence that the new members would contribute to the party’s growth in Cross River State.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the APC Chairman in Obudu Local Government Area, Comrade Joseph Odama, said the progressive family in Obudu was delighted to welcome the former PDP chairman into its fold. He described the grand reception as a historic day for the people of Obudu and Cross River State at large.
Odama expressed confidence that Ikem’s entry into the APC would further strengthen support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Otu and other APC candidates, not only in Obudu but across the Northern Senatorial District. He described Ikem’s defection as “one of the best signings for the APC.”
In his remarks, Ikem commended Governor Otu for his administration’s achievements, stressing that the governor deserved recognition for the progress recorded so far. He urged the public to acknowledge the administration’s efforts and called for continued support for Governor Otu to enable him to achieve more beyond 2027.
Ikem also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for addressing Nigeria’s macroeconomic challenges but stressed the need for policies that would translate the gains of the reforms into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians, particularly by making food and other essential commodities more affordable. He urged Nigerians not to abandon the reform process halfway, expressing confidence that allowing President Tinubu to complete his programme could significantly improve the country’s fortunes.
Explaining his decision to leave the PDP for the APC, Ikem expressed concern over what he described as the PDP’s lack of clear direction. He questioned how the party could prepare for an election while its own leader belonged to the APC campaign organisation. He also faulted the alleged lack of visibility and active campaigning by the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the forthcoming elections, saying these concerns ultimately convinced him to defect. He pledged to add value to the APC and work for the party’s success ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar; the APC State Women Leader, Mrs. Monica Ugi; Hon. Kenneth Aklah; and High Chief Dr. Tony Undiandeye, among others, commended Ikem for his decision to join the APC. They expressed confidence that his return, alongside his supporters, would strengthen the party’s support base and contribute to its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, expressed appreciation to Governor Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor, as well as government officials, party leaders, stakeholders and supporters for their presence and contributions to the event. He also acknowledged their commitment to the party and called for continued unity and cooperation among members.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit,
Government House, Calabar
