Hundreds of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) including the entire party structure in Calabar Municipal have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Receiving the detectors, Monday, the state Secretary of the All ProgressivesCongress APC, Chief Patrick Asikpo Okon said Governor Bassey Otu’s style of leadership endeared opposition members to the ruling party.

Okon added that the defectors joined the party to support the governor towards achieving his People’s First Agenda.

The state party secretary said the party had enough room to accommodate more new members, assuring the defectors of equal treatment and fairness.

“My dear defectors, the ruling party has your interest at heart. I, therefore, urge you to be patient with Governor  Otu’s government. Everything will be fine; the governor’s Season of Sweetness will definitely touch all Cross Riverians, including your ward. Congratulations to you for making the right choice, and you are all welcome to join the ruling party,” Okon said.

“We will ensure that you will benefit from all opportunities regarding the welfare of members without sentiments,” Okon said.

He assured that the party would continue to give its best to the people of the state and urged the defectors to be loyal and shun anti-party activities “so that you can enjoy the benefits of being an APC member to the fullest.”

The leader of the defectors from the PDP to APC in Ward 8, Dr Francis Effiom said the decision to move to the APC with the entire Ward 8 structure of the PDP was predicated on the good performance of the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu who he said has shown capacity and the willingness to touch the lives of the people.

He said within a year, Governor Otu has fixed two major roads and other streets including other infrastructures in the ward abandoned for several years.

“Though in the last elections we won 100 percent for PDP in Ward 8, but after a careful appraisal of Governor Otu’s performance just one year in office, we are convinced that the APC is the party to be. Ward 8 is from today 100 percent APC and I can assure you that from the next election on, Ward 8 will vote 100 percent for the APC,” he assured.

Also, commenting, an APC chieftain and aspirant for chairmanship of Calabar Municipality Council, Iso Bassey Edim congratulated the defected members, saying that their decision was a wise one.

“I can assure you will not regret your decision. At this party, you will be given opportunities to showcase yourself and tap into the benefits of politics. Two things are the reasons we join politics: what we will benefit and what we will become,” he said.

“All those opportunities are what I have benefited from since I joined APC I believe that you would also get them.”