More than 500 APC members in Abanwan-Erei, Cross River State, have defected to the PDP ahead of the 2027 general election

The All Progressives Congress has suffered a fresh political setback in Cross River State after more than 500 members defected to the Peoples Democratic Party in Abanwan-Erei community, Biase Local Government Area, ahead of the 2027 general election.

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The defectors were received on Saturday by Bassey O. Bassey, popularly known as BOB, the PDP House of Representatives candidate, alongside Pastor Obia Ikika, the party’s House of Assembly candidate.

The mass defection represents a notable grassroots development for the PDP in Biase, where both parties are expected to intensify their efforts to consolidate support as preparations for the next general election gather momentum.

Welcoming the new members, Bassey described their decision to leave the APC as bold and patriotic, saying it reflected what he characterised as growing dissatisfaction with the performance of the ruling party.

“We commend your courage and political maturity. This is a statement that the people are tired of failed promises,” Bassey said.

He assured the defectors that they would receive equal recognition and opportunities within the PDP, promising that the party would integrate them into its activities.

“In the PDP, you will get equal recognition, active involvement and full integration,” he added.

Bassey also used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to representing the interests of the constituency at the National Assembly if elected.

He told the new PDP members that their concerns would remain central to his legislative agenda, particularly issues affecting development and grassroots communities.

For Pastor Ikika, the arrival of the APC members was evidence of what he described as a growing desire for a different approach to governance.

“The people have spoken. They are embracing a party that prioritises welfare, development and the aspirations of the citizenry,” he said.

Ikika pledged to pursue what he described as legislative excellence and grassroots development if elected to the Cross River State House of Assembly.

The PDP state financial secretary, Dr Chris Edadi, attributed the defections to sustained teamwork and grassroots mobilisation by party members.

Edadi urged existing and newly admitted members to preserve the unity that he said had helped strengthen the party’s presence in the community.

“To our new members, you are welcome. The PDP offers a level playing field and equal opportunities for all,” he said.

The development adds another layer to the political contest in Cross River as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.

Defections are a recurring feature of Nigerian electoral politics, particularly in the period preceding major elections.

Parties often view the movement of groups of members as evidence of growing popularity, while rival parties typically dismiss such moves as politically motivated or lacking sufficient impact on their wider support base.

In this case, the PDP has presented the Abanwan-Erei defection as a grassroots endorsement of its message on welfare, development and political inclusion.

The APC has yet to publicly respond to the reported departure of the members or indicate whether efforts are under way to win them back.

Beyond the immediate symbolism, the significance of the development will depend on whether the defectors remain active within the PDP and translate their decision into sustained grassroots mobilisation.

With the 2027 election approaching, political parties in Cross River are likely to place increasing emphasis on local structures, community leaders and voter mobilisation.

For the PDP, the arrival of more than 500 former APC members provides a potentially useful boost in Biase. For the APC, it is a reminder that retaining grassroots support will be an important part of the battle ahead.

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The latest movement therefore offers an early glimpse of the political realignment that could shape the contest in Cross River as the state moves closer to the 2027 polls.