From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
A renowned politician in Cross River State has described the wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as deeply disappointing and detrimental to democratic development in the state.
Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla made the assertion in a statement issued to journalists, where he expressed concern over the declining strength of opposition politics in the state.
According to him, “The former Deputy Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections and the former Senatorial candidate of the Labour Party for Cross River Southern Senatorial District are among those who have defected to the APC.”
Obono-Obla lamented that these defections have undermined the political diversity required for accountability and effective governance. “I had hoped that these figures would remain steadfast in their parties and sustain a robust opposition in the state. Between 2003 and 2021, Cross River was largely a one-party state, dominated entirely by the PDP. Yet, this political monopoly failed to translate into economic progress or tangible political advancement for the state.”
He noted that despite the overwhelming dominance of the PDP during that period, a small group of principled politicians stood firm in opposition. These included Ntufam Hiliard Eta, Hon. Alex Irek, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla himself, Hon. Cletus Obin, Dr. David Okon, Chief Francis Ekpeyong, Hon. Esther Bepeh, Eno Ekapong, and Capt. Eno Utum Inah, among others.
“These individuals endured persecution, victimization, and suppression, but they never wavered in their commitment to providing an alternative voice,” he said.
The legal practitioner and public commentator further stated, “I had believed that this tradition of resilience would persist, ensuring political balance and accountability in the state. However, what we are witnessing today leaves much to be desired. As opposition voices fade, one wonders what the future holds for democratic plurality in Cross River State.”
He recalled that just last week, tens of thousands of politicians and their supporters dumped their former political parties and pledged allegiance to the APC and the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration.
Obono-Obla warned that the current situation, where opposition voices are being silenced or absorbed, points to a disturbing trend that may turn Cross River into a one-party state. “Accusing fingers have already been pointed at the ruling party for promoting this imbalance,” he said.
