Former Minister for Tourism and Culture, Edem Duke, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Duke, who registered in his Edem Odo Ward in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State on Saturday, said his defection was a declaration of commitment to help in upholding the nation and broadening the scope of participation in the federal’s government.

He said, “It is a declaration of my passion and determination that this country of ours requires the commitment and cooperation of all and sundry. I am one who is always passionate about the development of my community. Having taken a look at the political landscape of Nigeria, I believe I cannot be an inactive observer in the trend of development in our country today. It is a call to duty for us to salvage our country and that is the principally the issue that influence my declaration for the APC today.

“For me what I see the APC is doing is rekindling hope in Nigeria and encouraging those who have active years left to join the task of constructing and reconstructing the various strata of our social, economic and cultural development and I think that I am a relevant player in all of that.”

The state Chairman of the APC, Mr John Ochala, who was represented by his secretary, Mr Victor Ebong, warned against discrimination of new members.

He welcomed Duke to the party, saying his entrance would help build the party in the state.