Cross River PDP congress sparks legitimacy row as APC warns of factional crisis

The re-election of Venatius Ikem as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has triggered a fresh political storm, with opposition figures dismissing the process as illegal and party leaders defending its legitimacy.

Dr Peter Iyali, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, faulted the weekend congress, arguing it was “factional” and lacked the backing of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC).

“It is important to clarify that the purported congress that produced Venatius Ikem as PDP chairman in Cross River State is factional and lacks the backing of the PDP’s National Working Committee,” Iyali said.

He warned the move could create two parallel executives and deepen divisions ahead of the party’s national convention. Iyali also took aim at Senator Jarigbe Agom, PDP’s key figure in Cross River North, suggesting his focus should be on securing a valid ticket rather than assuming the APC felt threatened.

According to him, the APC is growing in strength, citing Deputy Governor Peter Odey’s recent tour of the Northern District as evidence. He linked Jarigbe’s show of loyalty to Governor Bassey Otu and the ruling APC to concerns over PDP’s internal rifts.

PDP leaders defend Ikem’s re-election

PDP chieftains, however, have dismissed APC’s stance, insisting the congress was lawful. Former governorship candidate Prof Sandy Onor said a panel certified by the NWC supervised the exercise.

Other influential party figures, including former deputy governor Effiok Cobham and ex-governorship aspirant Arthur Jarvis, endorsed the congress, describing it as valid.

Senator Jarigbe himself insisted Ikem’s return as chairman had the backing of “98 per cent of party faithful.”

This comes despite the PDP’s National Working Committee having earlier dissolved the Ikem-led state executive, declaring its tenure expired and warning against the planned congress.

The clash underscores the deepening rivalry between the PDP and APC in Cross River as both parties position themselves for the 2027 elections.