Cross River PDP Pledges to Unseat Governor Otu, Unites Behind Chairman Venatius Ikem

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has officially declared its resolve to take back power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. The party’s leadership has made a strategic move to prepare for the political battle by publicly endorsing its current state chairman, Venatius Ikem, to continue in his role.

The decision was made during a meeting of party leaders and stakeholders on Tuesday in Calabar. The move is a clear effort to end any internal squabbles and present a united front ahead of the upcoming polls. According to the Chairman of the Forum of Chapter Chairmen, Odidi Emmanuel, the unanimous agreement to adopt Barrister Ikem and his team was driven by a need for “transparency and integrity.” The party, he stated, is committed to strengthening its presence at the grassroots level to ensure a victory.

Echoing this position, the Secretary of the Forum, Obia Ikika, stated that the decision was a strategic move to maintain stability within the party. He stressed that the PDP is not divided and is working as a cohesive unit to prepare for the 2027 elections.

The endorsement comes after Ikem had earlier dismissed claims that external forces, such as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, could influence the party’s internal elections, stating that due process would be followed. The party is now set on a path to reclaim power from Governor Bassey Otu, banking on internal unity and a strong grassroots campaign to achieve its goal.