Despite internal conflicts and past electoral challenges faced by the party, Venatius Ikem, has been re-elected as the Cross River State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and vowed to retrieve power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and return the state to PDP in 2027.
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 party’s state caucus endorsed Ikem for a second term, emphasising continuity and stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
But his critics have raised concerns about Ikem’s leadership style and alleged fraternisation with APC members, which some argue could compromise the party’s opposition stance.
However, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North Senatorial district at the National Assembly and is the party leader in the state, urged 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.
However, some party stakeholders who had been against Ikem warned against Ikem’s re-election, citing poor electoral performance and alleged dictatorial tendencies.
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 congress, which witnessed a large turnout of delegates across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State, also elected 38 state executive officers.
