Gale of Defections To Ruling Party Caused By Lack of Ideologies, Ikem

Judex OKORO
The Cross River State Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Venatius Ikem, Esq, has stated that the gale of defections are largely driven by politicians who lack firm political ideologies.
Speaking at an enlarged State Working Committee meeting held on June 5, 2025 at the party secretariat, Calabar, Ikem stated that defectors are highly motivated by venal interests, but added despite the defections from the PDP to the APC in Cross River state, many more have also defected back to the PDP alongside their supporters and many more are also willing to return back to PDP.
Ikem maintained that party defections are normal and unfortunate part of contemporary Nigerian politics, adding that defection from one party to another is not only peculiar to Cross River State but across the states of the federation as some highly placed elected officials like Governors are defecting due to lack of political ideology.
He further added that some defectors to the APC aren't reaping any tangible benefits but rather seek to bask in the ruling party's aura, while some unscrupulous officials are exploiting its membership as immunity from prosecution.
In a related development, the leadership of the party frowned at the high rate of cyberstalking by some members of the party on party officials, characterised by opening of unauthorised social media platforms where abuses are wantonly raime don members.
Cautioning that perpetrators of these act shall be dealt with to serve as a deterrent to others, the party announced the distribution of verification forms to chapter chairmen aimed at identifying true party executives and pave the way for a stronger, more unified party come 2027.
The party commended members for their resilience in the face of undue enticement with empty promises by the APC led administration which seeks to exploit the poverty it has institutionalized in the polity for political gains.
The party urged its members to remain steadfast and loyal, emphasising that the PDP remains Nigeria's most viable option for a brighter future.