The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) senators in the National Assembly has risen to 76 following the defection of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday.

Jarigbe, who had announced his intention to join the ruling party last week, formally crossed over during plenary. His defection letter was read by Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session.

Explaining his decision, Jarigbe cited “divisions within the PDP” as the reason for leaving the opposition party.

With his defection, the PDP now holds 25 seats in the Senate. The Labour Party has 4, APGA 2, SDP 1, and NNPP 1—bringing the total to 109 senators.

The move also means that all three senatorial seats in Cross River State are now occupied by APC members, alongside Senator Eteng Williams (Cross River Central) and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South).