By Muhammad Mamman
Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a notable shift in the state’s political landscape.
Duke completed his move on [day/date not specified] when he registered as a member of the ADC in Ward 5, Calabar Municipality. The registration event drew a crowd of party faithful and supporters, who welcomed the former governor with cheers as he received his membership card.
The defection is seen by observers as a significant boost for the ADC in Cross River, given Duke’s longstanding influence and visibility in Nigerian politics. A former two-term governor, he remains a recognisable figure in the state and beyond, with a reputation for his role in tourism and urban development during his time in office.
Local ADC officials described his entry into the party as a “major gain”, expressing optimism that his experience and network would strengthen the party’s position ahead of future political contests.
Neither Duke nor the PDP leadership had issued detailed public comments on the reasons for his departure at the time of filing this report, but the development is already stirring conversations among party members and political watchers in the state.
