In a bold political move, Ntufam Maurice Omin-Iso, popularly known as Chief Ebongo of Enang Ayie, Osang Mgbe Quao Town Lodge in Calabar Municipality, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking exclusively to Primetime News, the grassroots politician and community leader explained that his defection was motivated by the impressive performance of Governor Bassey Otu and the visible infrastructural strides under the APC-led administration. Omin-Iso, who was once a founding father of the PDP in Calabar Municipality, noted that the internal crisis and leadership failure in the PDP made it unsustainable, prompting him and his teeming supporters to embrace the APC in a bid to contribute meaningfully to the development of Cross River State.
PRIMETIME NEWS: Can you tell us your name?
NTUFAM MAURICE OMIN-ISO: I am Ntufam Maurice Omin-Iso, also known as Chief Ebongo of Enang Ayie, Osang Mgbe Quao Town Lodge in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State.
PRIMETIME NEWS: What prompted your defection to the APC, given your deep-rooted history with the PDP as one of its founding fathers in Calabar Municipality?
NTUFAM MAURICE OMIN-ISO: I used to be a staunch member of the PDP. In fact, we were among the founding fathers of the party in Calabar Municipality. But in 2018, the PDP lost the elections and the APC took over the leadership mantle. I observed that the APC was performing not only in Cross River but across the nation. That influenced my decision to move. The PDP is deeply divided and lacks effective internal democracy and credible leadership. No reasonable politician would remain on a sinking ship.
More so, in my area, accessing our homes used to be a nightmare due to the poor state of roads. But Governor Bassey Otu is a different breed of politician. He has shown capacity in infrastructure development, and today, the road from the highway to where I reside has been tarred. That demonstrated to me that the dividends of democracy are achievable under his leadership. So, my supporters and I saw no better time to join the APC and contribute to the progress of our dear state.
PRIMETIME NEWS: What becomes of the thousands of supporters we saw accompanying you to the APC State Secretariat on Saturday?
NTUFAM MAURICE OMIN-ISO: I am a grassroots politician, not only in my community but across Calabar Municipality. My people believe in me. When word got out about my decision to defect, they trooped out en masse — even those who are not politicians. I didn’t need to inform them formally because they trust my judgement. They know that being in the ruling party presents greater opportunities, especially with the kind of support base I command.
PRIMETIME NEWS: Some political observers argue that your defection was driven by pressure from the APC leadership, who you once had a rocky relationship with. Is there any truth to that?
NTUFAM MAURICE OMIN-ISO: Absolutely not. I fear no one. Those who know me will tell you I’ve always been a progressive at heart. I recognised a progressive government and chose to align with it. Being in the opposition is not new to me — I’ve been there before. But now, I can clearly see that both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Otu are delivering. That’s why I joined the APC.
The claims that I defected to avoid political persecution are baseless. I have no legal case with any government authority, nor am I being tried in any court of law. I am at peace with myself and with the system.
PRIMETIME NEWS: What message do you have for your teeming supporters?
NTUFAM MAURICE OMIN-ISO: My message is simple — remain steadfast. We have all seen the need to support this current administration. Many may not see it, but the achievements of President Tinubu and Governor Otu are there. The president is quietly laying a strong economic foundation, and those in the private sector can testify to this transformation.
PRIMETIME NEWS: Some critics allege that your loyalty to Governor Otu stems from ethnic sentiment, given that you are both Efik.
NTUFAM MAURICE OMIN-ISO: That’s not true. I am not Efik. I am an Ejagam man from the Quos in the Cross River South Senatorial District. My support for Governor Otu is based on his track record, not ethnicity. I find him worthy because of his performance.
PRIMETIME NEWS: Now that you’re fully with the APC, what are your expectations going forward?
NTUFAM MAURICE OMIN-ISO: We are advocating for infrastructural development across all three senatorial districts. Our community, Nne Etai in Enangayikpo Clan, which has over 5,000 residents, deserves inclusion in this developmental agenda. The area is erosion-prone and rapidly expanding. We hope the government will extend its goodwill to us as well.
