By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The political landscape in Cross River State received a significant boost at the weekend as the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) welcomed a large number of defectors into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Boje Ward, Boki Local Government Area.
The event, hosted by the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Soni Abang, attracted party faithful, community leaders and political stakeholders who gathered to formally receive the new members and reaffirm support for APC candidates ahead of future elections.
Among the prominent defectors was Evangelist Mike Kombor, a respected businessman, community leader and influential political figure in Boki politics.
His departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is widely seen as a major political gain for the APC.
Kombor joined the ruling party alongside several supporters and members of the G-4, a socio-political group known for its strong grassroots influence within the area.
Addressing the gathering at Bendeghe Community, Ambassador Soni Abang, represented by the Boki Local Government Area Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hon. Victor Agbor, described the influx of new members as a clear indication of growing confidence in the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu.
According to him, the reception was organised not only to welcome the defectors but also to consolidate support for leaders and candidates committed to accountable, inclusive and people-oriented governance.
“Those joining us today have made a conscious decision to align with a platform that stands for integrity, responsive leadership and policies that improve the lives of the people.
“Their decision strengthens our movement and demonstrates that our message continues to resonate across political divides,” he said.
He urged party members, supporters and the newly admitted members to participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercise and remain committed to the ideals of the APC as preparations gather momentum for future elections.
The event also featured the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Hon. Oden Ewa for Cross River Central Senatorial District, Hon. Victor Abang for the Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency seat, Hon. Philip Bette Obi for Boki I State Constituency and Hon. John Otu for Boki II State Constituency.
In his goodwill message, the State Chief of Protocol (SCOP), Hon. Sylvester Otu Abang, represented by Engr. Nchu Sunnyskipo Otu, congratulated the defectors for what he described as a wise political decision.
He assured them of equal opportunities and inclusion within the APC structure while urging them to support the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and all APC candidates in forthcoming elections.
The defectors were formally received into the party by the Boje Ward Secretary, Mr. Sylvester Obi, who encouraged them to contribute actively to the growth and success of the APC in the ward and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Evangelist Mike Kombor said their decision to join the APC was largely influenced by the leadership qualities, political reach and grassroots engagement of Ambassador Soni Abang.
He described Abang as a leader committed to political inclusion, community development and party growth, adding that his contributions have continued to attract support across party lines.
Kombor noted that the defectors believe the APC and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors provide a stronger platform through which they can contribute meaningfully to the development of Boki Local Government Area, Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole.
“The political influence and leadership capacity of Ambassador Soni Abang played a significant role in our decision to join the APC.
“We have witnessed his commitment to the growth of the party and the advancement of our people. We have therefore resolved to join forces with him and other party leaders to secure overwhelming electoral victories for the APC in Boki and across Cross River State,” he stated.
He further pledged the unwavering support of the defectors to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, the administration of Governor Bassey Otu and all APC candidates, assuring party leaders that they would immediately begin grassroots mobilisation efforts in support of the party.
Other notable defectors include Mr. Joseph Obun, Mr. Francis Otu, Mr. Albert Agbor, Mr. Mark Obia, Mr. Matthew Donor and Mr. Peter Kombor.
Dignitaries at the event included the Councillor representing Boje Ward, Hon. Vitalis Odu; Chief Protocol Officer to the Vice Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Sylvester Danor Agbor; former Councillor of Boje Ward, Hon. Ransom Bekom; Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Chairman of Boki LGA, Agbor Simon Besong; Organising Secretary of Boje Ward, Elvis Dakim; Engr. Augustin Ajom; Lazarous Agbor; Austin Dayia and Director-General of the Bette Obi Campaign Organisation, Hon. Clifford Bobua.
Others include Joseph Abang; Fideles Odu; Mrs. Mary Banku Besong; community leader Thomas Besong; Youth Leader Peter Agbor; Clan Head of Iso-Bendeghe, HRH Otu J. D. Ogar and his chiefs; Women Leader Mrs. Mary Nyiam; Mary Asu; Special Assistant to the Boki Local Government Chairman, Alice Besong; former Acting State Chairman of the Labour Party in Cross River State, Eugene Besong Obia; and Dr. Thomas Agbor.
