From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Financial Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Comrade Chris Edadi, has criticized the ongoing wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as manipulative and undeserving of public attention.
He also condemned what he termed “an unprovoked and premature endorsement” of Governor Bassey Otu’s second-term ambition.
In a statement issued in Calabar, Edadi stated, “Nobody should be deceived or bothered by the ongoing trend of orchestrated defections into the APC and the unwarranted endorsement of Governor Otu for a second term.
These moves lack justification, especially considering the governor’s performance so far. After all we endured under his predecessor, Governor Ayade, we expected a more people-oriented and inclusive administration. Sadly, we’re getting the opposite — a government focused on party affairs and factional leadership rather than governance.”
He further alleged that most of the recent defections are motivated by personal interest and not in alignment with the aspirations of the constituents. “Frankly speaking, almost all the recent defections are purely personal. They do not reflect the genuine interests of our constituencies.
The endorsement rallies being held in favor of Governor Otu’s second term are nothing but acts of hypocrisy and sycophancy,” he said.
He questioned the rush to endorse the governor, saying, “Why the desperation? Who is chasing us? Who is even contesting with him at this point?”
Comrade Edadi challenged the administration to prioritize governance and deliver meaningful development to the people. “Instead of engaging in premature political jamborees, why can’t the government focus on alleviating the suffering of citizens and running an inclusive government? What legacies has this government established that justify the frenzied wave of defections and endorsements, especially at a time when governance is needed the most?”
Expressing his disappointment, he said, “In a few days, this administration will clock two years in office. What new legacies can we point to as justification for an endorsement? This is simply a distraction from the real issues facing the state.”
He continued, “The real marathon of defections in Nigerian politics is yet to come, and Cross River State will not be exempt. The true endorsement of any leader will not be by hired or coerced crowds but by the votes cast at the polling units in 2027.”
Edadi also alleged that the APC-led government in Cross River has abandoned its original members, preferring to use public funds to lobby opposition members to defect to the ruling party.
“Today, many of the core APC members who toiled to bring this government to power have been sidelined without recognition. Instead, attention is now focused on new defectors, most of whom may not even remain with the party long term.”
Describing the current political atmosphere as unjust, he remarked, “It is a clear injustice that while many government appointees under Governor Otu are living like civil servants or pensioners, with no benefits beyond their salaries, the government still expects them to endorse the governor amid pain and frustration.
This is happening simply because there are no better options at the moment. But, by God’s grace, Cross River State shall be liberated ahead of 2027.”
He concluded with a metaphor: “Defecting en masse into one party is like pouring more water into a cup — eventually, it will overflow.
That overflow will create the foundation for a genuine opposition movement against the anti-people policies of the APC, not only in Cross River but across Nigeria. That will mark the beginning of our political and mental liberation as a society.”
