2027: Cross River PDP pledges to unseat Otu, endorses Ikem as chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River State has declared its resolve to unseat Governor Bassey Otu of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections while reaffirming support for Venatius Ikem to continue as state chairman.

This was made known on Tuesday in Calabar after a meeting of party leaders and stakeholders, who pledged to end internal rifts and unite ahead of the 2027 polls.

Recall, on September 6, Ikem dismissed claims that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, could influence the party’s September 27 congress, stressing that only the state’s structures and due process would determine its next leadership.

Speaking to newsmen, the Chairman of the Forum of Chapter Chairmen, Odidi Emmanuel, said the party was committed to strengthening its grassroots structures to ensure victory.

“We have interacted with our state chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, and after thorough consultations, we resolved that he should continue. We don’t need rancour in our party; we need transparency and integrity. All chapter chairmen across the 18 local governments have unanimously agreed to adopt Barr. Ikem and his excos for continuity,” he said.

Secretary of the Forum, Obia Ikika, echoed the position, stressing that the decision was to sustain the party’s stability.

“We have been enjoying a wonderful working relationship with the state chairman. To maintain that, we have strategically resolved to retain him and his team for continuity. We are solidly behind the chairman and every decision taken so far by the party,” he stated

Ikika further assured party faithful that there were no divisions within the PDP in the state. According to him, the party remains united and is preparing to reclaim power in 2027.

“There is no problem anywhere in the party. The PDP is waxing stronger and will bounce back to reclaim its mandate come 2027,” he added.