Ex-APC chief in Cross River dumps party for PDP, alleges marginalisation

All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Cross River State, Chief Samuel Bassey, has said he left the party for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of the marginalisation of Biase and Akamkpa people of the Southern Senatorial District.

Bassey, a one-time House of Representatives and senatorial aspirant, made the disclosure while presenting himself to the PDP state chapter and Ikum/Etono ward executives.

He claimed the Efik have since 1999 dominated the people of the south by occupying governorship and senatorial slots, not minding the zoning formula.

He said: “I believe those of us from Biase, Akampka axis from Southern Senatorial District have not been treated fairly because when governorship is zoned to the Southern Senatorial District, our Efik brothers take it; for the Senate, they do the same.

“At a glance, you see that former Governor Donald Duke; Senators, Bassey Ewa, Florence Ita-Giwa, Bassey Otu,  Geshom Bassey are all from the Efik nation.”

“Having weigh all my options, I believe when my good friend, Senator Ntufam Sandy Onor, wins as the governor come 2023, he would correct all that have gone wrong in Cross River State..”

I believe he will make a good governor and he will also run the state in very fair manner and ensure that justice is done.”

He said based on his conviction, he and his supporters decided to join the PDP.

“I resigned my membership of the All Progressives Congress on November 9. I communicated the same to my ward chairman and he acknowledged receipt.

“I am a core politician and I know the powers of the party. I will in no way do anything that will jeopardise the successes of the party at the poll as we go into next year. I will work based on my ability to ensure that the party candidates win at all levels and I know that I have a lot to offer as far as this game called politics is concern,” he added.

While welcoming him to the party, the chapter Chairman of the PDP, Oyube Sunday, and Ikum/Etono Ward Chairman, Kanu Ogban, said it was a great privilege to have him in the party.

They charged him and his supporters to work for the good of the party in the coming general elections.
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