The All Progressives Congress on Monday recorded a major political boost in Ikom Local Government Area as thousands of members of the Peoples Democratic Party formally defected to the party, with the entire structure of Nnam Ward declaring support for the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem.
The defection, which took place at the Ikom 2 State Constituency Office in Edor, was part of Speaker Ayambem’s ongoing mobilisation across the four wards of Ikom 2 in furtherance of the second-term bid of Governor Bassey Otu.
The event attracted leading figures of the APC in Ikom, including the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams; the Vice Chairman of Ikom Local Government, Hon. Maurice Ndome; Barr. Mary Ekpere; Mr. Odey Oyama; and Hon. Barr. Bassey Okim. Also in attendance were party leaders from the eleven wards of the council area, among them Hon. Asinya Ntan, Mrs. Ekori Nyambi, councillors, and other key stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Lowa Nkpontey, who represented the political structure of the late Rt. Hon. Chris Agibe in Nnam Ward, said their decision to join the APC was informed by confidence in Speaker Ayambem’s leadership, which he described as inclusive, stable, and reminiscent of the qualities of their late leader.
In a development that drew strong applause, Hon. Nkpontey announced the collective endorsement of Speaker Ayambem for a return to the State House of Assembly. He explained that although it was traditionally the turn of Nnam Ward to produce a candidate, the decision to back the Speaker was taken in the larger interest of Ikom 2 Constituency and the Bakor Nation.
According to him, the Speaker’s record in office, capacity to unite diverse interests, and commitment to development provided assurance of sustained democratic dividends, adding that Nnam Ward would gain more by supporting a tested and widely accepted leader.
The defectors were formally received into the APC by the Ikom Chapter Chairman, Hon. Matthew Egomo, who urged them to integrate fully into the party, participate in the ongoing e-registration exercise, and contribute actively to its growth.
Responding, Speaker Ayambem expressed gratitude for the show of confidence and described the endorsement as a sacrifice made in the interest of collective progress. He noted that the mass defection aligned with the shared objective of returning Governor Bassey Otu to office in 2027.
He added that any decision on his future political ambition would be guided by party leadership and the general will of the people, assuring that he would always answer the call to service.
Defectors from Abanyom, Nde, and Nta Nselle wards were also received at the event, further consolidating the APC’s presence across the Ikom 2 State Constituency.
