The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Cross River gubernatorial election, Dr. Emana Duke-Amawhe, has officially dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Her defection took place on Friday, May 2, 2025, at her Edem Odo Ward in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State. She was received by party leaders and a cheering crowd of supporters, many of whom also announced their decision to follow her into the APC.
Dr. Duke-Amawhe, a respected journalist-turned-politician, cited the developmental strides of the APC in Cross River and across the country as her major reason for joining the ruling party.
Speaking during the defection ceremony, she stated:
“My decision is not borne out of hunger or the need for political appointments. It is a strategic move to align with the powers that be and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.”
She also called on members of the opposition to adopt a constructive approach to politics, stressing that criticism should be geared towards strengthening democracy and not tearing it down.
“If we must have an opposition, let it be strong and constructive. What our people need now is development, not division,” she added.
Her move is expected to further strengthen the APC’s base in Cross River State, particularly in Akpabuyo and the Southern Senatorial District, where she commands a significant followingN
