NIGERIA, CALABAR – The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Cross River State formally received former governorship candidate Patrick Solomon on Tuesday during a defection ceremony held in Calabar, marking a significant political realignment ahead of future elections.
The ceremony, which attracted party leaders, members, women groups, and youth supporters, underscored growing discontent with dominant political platforms and renewed interest in alternative governance visions within the state.
Representing the SDP State Chairman, Apostle Stella Archibong, the party’s Vice Chairman, Mr. Ekwom Silas, described the defection as a strategic and ideological homecoming rather than a mere political switch.
Using a technical analogy, Silas said political progress requires proper planning, noting that “movement from point A to point B only succeeds when the engineers have done their work,” urging members to see themselves as builders of the party.
He told the gathering that commitment, not financial inducement, sustains political growth, stressing that “nobody paid transport fare for anyone to be here,” but people attended out of belief in the SDP’s future.
Silas said the party welcomed Solomon back as “our own,” explaining that the defector had explored other platforms but discovered structural limitations that hindered genuine progress and internal balance.
He added that SDP members must abandon the search for “quick political rewards,” arguing that smaller, organized platforms offer better opportunities to refine leadership potential and build sustainable political careers.
Citing examples of past Nigerian leaders, Silas warned against political apathy, urging members to actively contest elections, saying meaningful records only emerge when individuals dare to participate.
“Some of our challenges are self-inflicted because we refuse to take steps,” he said, encouraging party faithful to prepare, contest, and campaign collectively for stronger electoral outcomes.
Ambassador Kennedy Nsan, representing Patrick Solomon, praised the SDP’s structure and national spread, describing the party as “one of Nigeria’s strongest opposition platforms with growing global connections.”
Nsan, a university lecturer, said Solomon’s decision followed careful evaluation of ideological alignment, noting that the former National Rescue Movement governorship candidate sought a platform rooted in progressive values.
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He told attendees that Solomon, currently in the United States, would soon return to Nigeria to formally integrate, adding that the defector requested “full cooperation” from SDP members across all structures.
Nsan commended the party’s Calabar-based membership for discipline and organization, saying their turnout reflected seriousness and readiness for future political engagement in Cross River State.
Women Leader of SDP, Calabar South Chapter, Mrs. Rose Archibong, assured Solomon of strong grassroots backing, particularly from women mobilization structures already active across wards.
She said the party remained “well-structured and organized,” adding that women were prepared to support Solomon in “whatever position he may choose to aspire,” chanting the party slogan in solidarity.
In a recorded address played at the event, Patrick Solomon said his defection represented “not a departure, but a declaration of faith” in the state’s capacity to overcome governance failures.
Solomon said years of engagement with citizens exposed persistent hardship caused by “false hope and unfulfilled promises,” insisting that leadership must be anchored on truth, competence, and purpose.
Announcing his defection, Solomon stated that joining the SDP aligned him with a people-centered movement built on social justice, inclusive development, and honest governance.
“This is not about changing party colors,” he said, explaining that the move signaled a change in political direction focused on accountability and restoring power to citizens.
Outlining his policy vision, Solomon said his administration would prioritize infrastructure and governance, rejecting “short-term projects designed for appearances” in favor of sustainable development planning.
He unveiled the Cross River Infrastructure Renaissance, describing it as a long-term blueprint emphasizing durability, functionality, and value for money across rural and urban development.
According to Solomon, the plan includes rebuilding road networks to improve agricultural access, expanding power supply to stimulate small industries, and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
He also pledged to revitalize coastal and tourism assets to generate revenue, alongside rehabilitating affected lands and commissioning scientific investigations into recent earthquake incidents.
On governance reforms, Truth live news reports that Solomon promised a digital Open Governance Portal to allow citizens track projects, budgets, and public spending in real time.
“No more hidden accounts, no more empty pronouncements,” he said, stressing that transparency would become a governing principle rather than a campaign slogan.
Solomon concluded by calling the defection a collective moral appeal, urging citizens to join a movement committed to integrity, inclusion, and innovation beyond “politics as usual.”