Former PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate Emana Ambrose-Amawhe Joins APC

A former deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Dr. Emana Ambrose-Amawhe, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State formally received the former PDP chieftain on Sunday, during a meeting held at the Governor’s Lodge in Calabar. The reception was attended by the First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu; the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba; and the Governor’s Chief of Staff. 

Ambrose-Amawhe had earlier announced her defection via a post on X (formerly Twitter), signaling her exit from the PDP ahead of the meeting with the Governor and top party officials. 

Speaking with reporters, she explained that the visit was primarily to pay her respects to the Governor and his wife, and to officially inform them of her decision to align with the APC. 

“I only went to greet His Excellency, the Governor and Her Excellency, the First Lady, as a mark of respect and to formally inform them of my movement,” she said. “The day of my formal and ceremonial movement to the APC, along with thousands of my supporters and other notable figures, will be announced soon.” 

Her departure from the PDP was confirmed in a resignation letter dated March 28, 2025, addressed to the chairman of Edem Odo Ward in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. In the letter, she stated that while the decision was not an easy one, she remains committed to contributing to the development of Cross River State and Nigeria in new capacities. 

Ambrose-Amawhe was the running mate to Senator Sandy Onor in the 2023 Cross River governorship election. Prior to that, she contested for the House of Representatives seat for the Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency under the PDP. 

Her defection marks a significant political shift in the state’s political landscape as preparations intensify ahead of future electoral contests.