The Peoples Democratic Party deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 election in Cross River State, Dr Emana Ambrose Amawhe, has stated that her defection to the APC was driven by her commitment and desire to bring development to his constituency and deliver the dividends of democracy to her grassroots.

Addressing APC stakeholders and supporters at the party’s secretariat on Saturday in Calabar, Dr Emana stated that her defection to the APC family is a new beginning of new things in her political aspirations.

“Today’s occasion of the grand defection rally which is a new beginning of new things politically, not just for myself but for over a hundred of my followers who have decided to cross over to the APC from PDP across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State. This is a new season in the entire political landscape of the state,” she added.

She stressed further that the development strides of Governor Bassey Otu are what have endeared her to the party and commended the governor for his effective efforts in restoring peace and security to Akpabuyo Local Government Area, pledging to join hands with the governor and contribute to the development of Cross River State.

On her decision to defect from the PDP to the APC, she said, “I’m drawn to the governor’s exceptional leadership style and dedication to the state’s progress. When a leader performs outstandingly and excellently, it is natural to want to join forces and contribute to the growth and development of our state. I have chosen to partner with our dear governor to effectively serve our people and build a better future for our community. This is beyond politics but a means to effectively serve the people.”

Emana said, “Political parties are open platforms where people choose to align with certain ideologies. Nobody forces anybody to join any political party. There is nobody holding a gun on somebody’s head to join the APC. People voluntarily and willingly join the APC. As for me and my supporters, we have collapsed our structure to partner with Governor Bassey Otu to deliver on his People’s First Mandate and also partner with the renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu to drive economic development for our people.”

Emana, a veteran broadcaster and businesswoman woman, defected alongside thousands of her supporters, including some state working executives of the PDP. She lauded the leadership of the APC for their warm reception and pledged to fully cooperate with the party leadership, upholding its principles to enhance victory for the 2027 general elections and beyond.

In his remarks, the state chairman of APC, Alphonsus Eba, tasked the defectors to be instrumental to the party’s success in future elections at all levels, saying, “We have chosen this day by the approval of the leader, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey to receive you all into the Party.”

Eba said, “I want to appreciate the due process you have followed. You have all gone through the ward level, and you have made your intent known. You have registered in your polling units and wards. Today, you all are bonafide members of our party.”