PDP Congress: Venatius Ikem Re-elected as Cross River Chairman, 38 Executives Returned

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has re-elected its chairman, Barrister Venatius Ikem, alongside 38 members of the State Executive Committee (SEC), in a congress widely praised for its transparency.

The exercise, held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Venetian Arena, Calabar, was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the press.

Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikem, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Cross River, led the Commission’s team of observers.

‘Process followed all guidelines’

Chairman of the Electoral Panel, Hon. Jones Chukwudi, commended the process, stressing that every statutory requirement was met.
“For every election, according to the electoral guidelines, there are statutory institutions that must be present. INEC is here, the REC is here, and so are the Police, NSCDC, DSS, and members of the press to ensure transparency,” he said before declaring Ikem and the new executives duly elected.

Ikem vows party rebuild ahead of 2027

In his acceptance speech, Ikem pledged to rebuild the PDP and strengthen its internal structures to position the party for victory in future elections.
“With all the experiences we have gathered and the humility conferred on us today, we pledge to do much better. Moving forward, we are going to challenge some of the issues that affected us in the past and begin the process of rebuilding in order to put our house together,” he stated.

The congress attracted prominent PDP figures, including Senator Prof. Sandy Onor, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, former Deputy Governor Barr. Efiok Cobham, Hon. Eta Mbora, Barr. Godwin Offiono, and Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong.

Senator Onor hailed the congress as “transparent and accountable,” while Senator Jarigbe urged reconciliation and unity as the party gears up for the 2027 general elections.