2027: C’River PDP Appeals to Former Members to Return, Rebuild Party
By Inemesit FRIDAY
The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appealed to aggrieved former members of the party to return and join efforts aimed at repositioning the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The State Chairman of the party, Venatius Ikem, made the appeal on Friday in Calabar during the inauguration of members of the State Working Committee appointed to fill vacant positions within the party structure.
Ikem said the prevailing situation in the state demands unity among experienced politicians and stakeholders who are genuinely committed to the progress and development of Cross River State.
According to him, political actors who left the party because of disagreements should set aside their differences and work together to strengthen the PDP and provide effective opposition in the state.
He accused the administration of Governor Bassey Otu of presiding over what he described as stagnation and poor governance across key sectors of the state economy.
“Cross River cannot continue on a path of poor governance, lack of direction and unfulfilled promises. The state deserves focused leadership capable of driving development, attracting investors and restoring public confidence,” Ikem stated.
The PDP chairman also alleged that despite increased federal allocations and improved internally generated revenue, the impact had not been felt in infrastructure development and the welfare of citizens, particularly retirees owed gratuities.
He maintained that many former PDP members still possess the political experience, grassroots support and leadership capacity needed to reposition the party and strengthen democratic accountability in the state.
Ikem urged party faithful and aggrieved stakeholders to embrace reconciliation and unity, stressing that a stronger and united opposition would provide Cross Riverians with a credible political alternative in 2027.
He further charged the newly inaugurated executive members to embark on grassroots consultations and intensify mobilisation efforts aimed at expanding the party’s support base across the state.
Earlier, the State Secretary of the PDP, Chief Joe Obi Bisong, explained that the vacancies in the State Working Committee arose following the resignation and defection of some former officers.
Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated officials after the swearing in conducted by notary public, Barrister Stephen Asuquo, the new State Auditor, David Adie Odey, pledged the commitment of the new executives to reposition and strengthen the party.
Others inaugurated included Buturo Adeh James, Chapter Chairman of Ogoja, Bernard Odey, Chapter Chairman of Bekwarra, and Matthias Njok, Vice Chairman North.
