THE deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 Cross River State election, Emana Ambrose-Amawhe, along with her supporters, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
This development comes just a week after former Delta State Governor and 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, alongside the incumbent Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the PDP to the APC.
At the defection event held in her ward, Edem Odo, Akpabuyo LGA, on Friday, May 2 2025, Ambrose-Amawhe cited the developmental achievements of the APC at both state and national levels as her reason for switching allegiance.
She highlighted that she decided to join the ruling party after observing the commendable work being done by Governor Bassey Otu. She remarked that only those who choose to ignore progress would fail to notice the positive developments taking place.
Ambrose-Amawhe reportedly expressed her excitement about becoming a member of the APC, noting her previous role as the PDP’s deputy governorship candidate and her identity as a proud daughter of Cross River South.
“At the national level, there are those who would say, things are hard, the economy is not looking up, and all of that. I would like to tell them that nothing good happens overnight.
She claimed that her defection was not driven by personal gain or a desire for political appointments, but by a commitment to collaborate with those in power to bring democratic benefits to her grassroots. She also urged those still in the opposition to contribute to the state’s development rather than limiting themselves to online criticism.
“I’m a nation-builder, that’s why I am now part of the APC. The thing is that nobody is being forced to join the APC. If there is going to be opposition, we need viable opposition parties.
She urged critics of the government to move beyond online commentary and instead bring their ideas forward, encouraging them to partner in building a better Cross River and Nigeria. She called on opposition members to join hands in driving development rather than remaining “keyboard warriors.”
Welcoming the defectors, the APC State Secretary, Patrick Asikpo, cautioned them against bringing conflict or divisive intentions into the party. He assured them that from the moment of their defection, they would enjoy the full rights and privileges of APC members.
Also speaking at the event, former Minister of Tourism and ward leader of Edem Odo, High Chief Edem Duke, expressed optimism about the APC’s future, especially ahead of the 2027 elections. He described the defection as significant, noting that the movement of such a high-ranking PDP figure signals a major shift in Cross River State’s political landscape—one that he believes favours the APC.
The ICIR can report that the recent defection adds to the growing list of politicians aligning with the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. This trend reflects an ongoing realignment within Nigeria’s political landscape.
In March, Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, who was the PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State during the 2023 elections, also dumped the opposition party to join the APC.
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org