Former C'River PDP chairman, Ikem, Officially Defects To APC, Vows To Promote Otu’s Projects

By Judex OKORO

Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Venatius Ikem, Esq, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) pledging to promote the development projects of Gov. Bassey Otu 

Recall that penultimate week, Ikem has resigned form to the opposition PDP citing internal divisions and a lack of clear direction and leadership coherence as reasons for resigning as PDP chairman in the state.

He also expressed reservations about the national leadership of the PDP, questioning the rationale behind the party’s Rainbow Coalition.

Speaking at his defection rally in Obudu local government area of the state, Ikem expressed gratitude to the Governor for the warm reception given to him since his resignation, adding that he has indeed, tasted "the season of sweetness and accommodation."

Speaking glowingly of the People First agenda, the former PDP chairman promised to continue to highlight the governor’s achievements and ongoing projects in the northern senatorial district and across the state.

He said: "I have taken it upon himself to publicise this administration’s interventions, particularly the ongoing transformation of the Obudu Ranch Resort, the redevelopment of the airstrip in Bebi, ongoing Obudu airport, and the Obudu-Abakaliki road project.

“When I met with the governor, I was unhappy that we had not talked enough about the things he had done and the ones he is also doing.

“He is doing a lot to turn around Obudu Ranch, the airstrip and the Obudu-Abakaliki road. How come he is doing so much, and it is not being talked about?” he asked.

Ikem said he had decided to take responsibility for communicating the projects to the public, noting that political opponents had largely focused on claims that the governor was not doing enough.

He urged residents to avoid allowing partisan differences to undermine relationships among family members, friends, and community leaders.

“APC and PDP and all other political parties are not bad parties. It is we, the people, who are bad. Do not fight your brother over politics,” he stated.

He described his defection as an opportunity to reunite with political associates with whom he had shared longstanding relationships before partisan differences separated them.

"My reception by APC leaders and members since arriving in the state on Sunday had been exceptionally warm, it has been a moment of reconciliation and renewed political cooperation".

"I am optimistic that my return to the APC fold would strengthen unity in Obudu and promote collective development across the community. I urge all political actors to maintain different affiliations while working together on issues affecting their people.

“I believe we are going to be stronger together, and Obudu will be better for all of us,” he said.

Ikem thanked governor Otu for the welcome extended to him, recalling that they had previously worked together in the PDP before their political paths diverged, commending the governor’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, and other APC leaders for facilitating his reintegration into the party.

The former PDP chairman’s defection marks a significant political realignment in Cross River, where the APC and PDP have continued to compete for influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Under Ikem's leadership, the PDP recorded electoral successes in the 2023 general elections, winning one Senate seat, two House of Representatives seats, and three State House of Assembly seats in Cross River.

  Stakeholders React

Some observers of politics in the state have argued that the defection of Ikem to the APC Seems to be the final death nail to the opposition party in the state.

An APC stakeholder, Ntufam Emmanuel Monjok, from Ogoja, said Venatius Ikem was the last Man standing in PDP in the northern senatorial district and with his defection the coast is clear for APC.

According to him, it was a grave mistake for the Rainbow Coalition Group to have allowed him to resign no matter what and added that PDP is almost collapsed and gasping for "oxygen" ahead of 2027."

Another stakeholder form Calabar South, Ekpenyong Ekpenyong, said: "Ikem re-alignment with his kinsmen in APC is an indication that Otu is one hundred percent sure of Victory in 2027. 

"It also marks the end of opposition in the North and would reduce acrimony and political tensions usually witnessed in Northern politicking."

 Pdp Says No Cause For Alarm

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has assured members that Ikem’s resignation would not derail the party’s fortunes, stability, or progress in Cross River.

A statement by the State Secretary, Mr Joe Bisong, said the PDP remained focused, united, and committed to strengthening its structures across the state ahead of the 2027 general elections 

According to the statement, the State Executive Committee (SEC) will be meeting soon to deliberate on the resignation of its former state chairman, Venatius Ikem.

Bisong said the party would take appropriate steps in line with Article 46(6) of the PDP Constitution to address the development and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

He urged party members, stakeholders, and supporters to remain calm, maintain peace, and uphold the party’s values of discipline, maturity, loyalty, and trust.

Bisong also called on members to demonstrate restraint and maintain unity as the party addressed the leadership development.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to its mission and expressed confidence in its ability to navigate the situation.

The Author: Judex OKORO, Ph.D, is a journalist with THE BEAGLE NEWS and has over a decade experience in community and political journalism with in-depth knowledge of party politics and electioneering.