Paragraph 1: A Shift in Allegiance
Dr. Emana Ambrose Amawhe, the former deputy governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Cross River State elections, has formally announced her defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This significant political move, accompanied by a multitude of her supporters, marks a shift in the state’s political landscape. Dr. Amawhe’s decision, driven by a stated desire to foster development within her constituency and deliver tangible benefits to the grassroots, underscores a growing trend of politicians prioritizing perceived opportunities for effective governance over strict party loyalty. Her public declaration at the APC secretariat in Calabar frames her move as a "new beginning," signaling a fresh chapter in her political journey.
Paragraph 2: The Allure of Effective Governance
Central to Dr. Amawhe’s decision is the perceived effectiveness of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration. She cites the governor’s development initiatives as a key factor drawing her to the APC, specifically highlighting his efforts in restoring peace and security to Akpabuyo Local Government Area. This emphasis on tangible achievements suggests a pragmatic approach to politics, where alignment with a successful administration is seen as a more effective path to serving her constituents than remaining within a party perceived as less capable of delivering on its promises. Dr. Amawhe explicitly states her intention to collaborate with Governor Otu to further the development of Cross River State, positioning her defection as a move motivated by a desire to contribute to the overall progress of the region.
Paragraph 3: Beyond Political Lines
Dr. Amawhe’s rationale transcends mere party politics, focusing instead on the practicalities of effective governance. She characterizes her decision as a move beyond political maneuvering, emphasizing a commitment to serving the people. By framing her defection as a strategic partnership with Governor Otu, she seeks to portray herself as a leader prioritizing the needs of her constituents over partisan affiliations. This approach resonates with the growing sentiment among the electorate that tangible results and effective leadership should outweigh traditional party loyalties. Dr. Amawhe’s rhetoric emphasizes collaboration and progress, presenting her defection as a means to amplify her impact on the community.
Paragraph 4: A Voluntary Choice and Collaborative Spirit
Dismissing any notion of coercion, Dr. Amawhe asserts that her decision, and that of her supporters, was entirely voluntary. She underscores the open nature of political parties as platforms for individuals to align with ideologies that resonate with their values and aspirations. By emphasizing the voluntary nature of her move, she counters any potential narrative suggesting ulterior motives or external pressures. Furthermore, she frames her decision as a collaborative effort, aligning her goals with Governor Otu’s "People’s First Mandate" and President Bola Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope" agenda. This strategic alignment positions her within a broader national framework for development, reinforcing her commitment to economic progress for her constituents.
Paragraph 5: A Collective Transition and Party Welcome
The defection of Dr. Amawhe and her supporters, including key PDP state working executives, represents a substantial gain for the APC in Cross River State. The scale of this transition underscores the potential ripple effects of her move, suggesting a possible shift in the political dynamics of the region. The APC leadership, welcoming the new members, emphasized the due process followed by the defectors, highlighting their registration at the ward and polling unit levels. This formal acknowledgement solidifies their integration into the party structure and reinforces the APC’s commitment to inclusivity and adherence to established procedures.
Paragraph 6: Looking Towards the Future
The APC state chairman, Alphonsus Eba, challenged the new members to contribute actively to the party’s future electoral successes, highlighting their potential to bolster the party’s strength in the 2027 general elections and beyond. This call to action emphasizes the value the APC places on its new members and underscores the expectation of their active participation in party affairs. Dr. Amawhe’s defection, coupled with the influx of her supporters, signifies a potentially significant realignment of political forces in Cross River State and sets the stage for a potentially more competitive political landscape in the years to come.
