C’River PDP Holds State Congress, Elects New Party Leaders
By Benjamin GBOR
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Cross River State Chapter, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, held its congress in Calabar, the state capital, where new executive officers emerged to steer the party’s affairs.
Venatius Ikem was re-elected as State Chairman, while Policap Effiom became Deputy Chairman. Other elected officers include Joseph Obi Bisong as State Secretary, Eyor Ugbana as Legal Adviser, Michael Ntui as Publicity Secretary, among others
In his acceptance speech, Ikem thanked party delegates for their trust, noting that his re-election was a second chance for the executive to correct past mistakes.
“I want to, on behalf of the newly elected exco, thank you for the support. I know that it is not because we are the best or because we did excellently well, but by your mandate you have given us a second chance to try again,” he said.
He acknowledged that the PDP in Cross River faced difficult times in recent years, largely due to poor candidate choices and internal divisions, but promised that the new leadership would do better moving forward.
“With all the experiences we have gathered, and with the humility that we pray God should bestow on us, we will do much better. For us, the task ahead is to rethink the party, rethink our vision, and move forward in a manner that guarantees victory. Victory is the ultimate,” he stated.
Ikem also dismissed accusations that he had brought the party “from top to bottom,” insisting instead that he had worked to keep the PDP afloat in Cross River despite enormous challenges.
He emphasised unity as the party’s biggest asset, assuring members that those who had left for other parties would be welcomed back if they chose to return.
Senator Sandy Onor described the congress as successful, transparent, and a sign of PDP’s strength in the state.
“It has been a beautiful congress. We had a full house of delegates across the state. Everything was done with a huge dosage of accountability and transparency, and we are glad. You can see that the PDP still has a huge momentum in our state and the future is bright,” he said.
Onor urged party members to remain united, noting that with experience and teamwork, the new executive has the capacity to reposition the PDP in Cross River.
“We believe this executive will do well. Together we will build, support ourselves, and prepare to take back power from the APC. By the grace of God, we will succeed,” he concluded.
