The political atmosphere in Boki Constituency I has taken a fresh turn following the defection of several political stakeholders, grassroots mobilisers and their supporters from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
What began as a political consultation by the PDP quickly turned into a rally, with the party receiving new members who said they were dissatisfied with the political situation and wanted a different direction for Boki and Cross River State.
The gathering was led by the PDP governorship candidate, Sir Dr. Arthur Jarvis Archibong, alongside the party's Central Senatorial candidate, Hon. John Ifere, popularly known as Young Money; the Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency candidate, Hon. Abang Pius Besong, known as AB AMANI JOJO; and the Boki Constituency I State Assembly candidate, Hon. Cosmos Obi.
Party executives, community stakeholders, youths and supporters attended the event, where several political figures announced their decision to join the PDP.
Among the prominent defectors was Comrade Armstrong Agbor, a grassroots political mobiliser whose previous involvement in APC mobilisation makes his defection a notable development in the ongoing political realignment in the constituency.
Also joining the PDP was Mr. Stanley Eban, who reportedly resigned his appointment as Special Assistant on Security to the Boki Local Government Area before declaring for the opposition party.
Explaining his decision, Eban expressed disappointment with the performance of his former party, saying he could no longer defend its record before the people.
"From the very first day I resumed office, it has been lies. I lack what to use in campaigning for such a failed party. I cannot be receiving a salary while my people are perishing," he said.
He added that he had joined a party he believed could offer a better alternative, expressing confidence in the PDP's chances and its promise of restoring what he described as Boki's lost glory.
Another prominent defector was Mr. Bette Emmanuel Abong, popularly known as the King of Boys, a youth mobiliser and community stakeholder from Biajua.
Abong announced his defection alongside his supporters, declaring his commitment to the PDP candidates, particularly Hon. Abang Pius Besong.
"Hon. Abang Pius Besong's ambition is my personal project," he stated, adding that he had considered the credibility of the candidates before deciding to work for them.
His declaration added to the growing show of support for the PDP candidates at the gathering.
The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), ABO Chapter, also voiced concerns about the state of development in Boki, particularly the condition of roads, youth opportunities and public investment in local communities.
He lamented what he described as the neglect of Boki by successive political leaders, arguing that residents should not have to wait until election periods before receiving attention from those seeking their votes.
According to him, the poor condition of roads across the area remains a major concern, while young people need more opportunities to participate meaningfully in economic and political activities.
He also questioned the presentation of some infrastructure and private business investments as major political achievements, arguing that communities deserve projects that produce measurable improvements in their daily lives.
"We are the youths, and we constitute the largest population. We shall work to ensure that responsible people take over leadership for the good of our youths," he said.
His remarks brought attention to some of the issues that have continued to feature in conversations about development in Boki, including road infrastructure, youth empowerment, healthcare, education and access to basic amenities.
For the PDP, the gathering offered an opportunity to strengthen its grassroots presence and present itself as an alternative to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the political significance of the defections will depend on whether the new entrants can translate their personal followings and community networks into broader support for the party at the polls.
In Boki, where community connections and grassroots mobilisation often play important roles in electoral politics, the movement of established political figures from one party to another could influence local political calculations as the next election approaches.
The defectors' statements also placed development and accountability at the centre of the gathering, with concerns raised about the condition of roads, the welfare of ordinary residents and the need for leaders to deliver visible results.
For residents, the issues go beyond party membership. Good roads, better healthcare, quality education, economic opportunities and meaningful youth development remain important expectations from those seeking public office.
Whether the PDP can turn the latest defections into a lasting political advantage remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the gathering has added a new dimension to political activities in Boki Constituency I as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of 2027.
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