Nelson Utip
The PDP in Cross River State have vowed to unseat Governor Bassey Otu of The APC come 2027, despite the existing internal wranglings in the party. This comes at the heels of the reelection of Venatius Ikem as the Chairman of the party in the state.
Ikem was re-elected after scoring 1,504 votes. He assured the delegates at the party congress, which took place on Saturday in Calabar, that he wouldn’t betray the confidence reposed in him and promised to serve the party with diligence.
The state caucus of the party unanimously endorsed Ikem for a second term highlighting continuity and stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However critics of Ikem have raised concerns about Ikem’s leadership style and alleged friendship with APC members, which some argue could compromise the party’s opposition stance.
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North Senatorial district at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly, the party leader in the state, called on aggrieved members to put aside their differences and work towards regaining power in 2027.
Ikem expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, citing its historical roots in Cross River State and the large turnout of delegates during the congress.
A party faction had previously suspended Ikem over allegations of financial mismanagement and neglect of party duties.
Despite these challenges, Ikem’s re-election was validated by the party’s National Leadership.
Meanwhile, Prof. Sandy Onor, the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election in the state, beckoned on the party faithful to remain indivisible and united and expressed hope that the party would regain its pride of place in the state.
The party congress witnessed a large turnout of delegates across the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State, also elected 38 state executive officers.
