OPINION: PDP National Decision on the Reinstatement of Barr. Venatius Ikem as Authentic State Chairman in Cross River State and my Views.

By Chris EDADI

Politics is often described as a game of interests, where there are no permanent friends or enemies, only shifting alliances dictated by circumstances. People may work together today and disagree tomorrow based on new realities. In the case of Barr. Venatius Ikem’s reinstatement by the PDP National Working Committee, my position is not driven by personal interest. Rather, beyond any grievances or personal feelings, I recognize the broader need for peace and progress within our party at this critical moment.  

It is important to emphasize that this decision is not based on parochial aggrandizement, as some may speculate. My shift from the "Vena Must Go" stance is not a matter of inconsistency but a response to evolving party realities. While I respect opposing views on this matter, I believe that understanding the situation holistically will help us forge a united and stronger PDP in Cross River State.  

Growing up, my late father taught me an invaluable lesson: do not fight randomly or follow the crowd unintelligently. Choose your battles wisely and know when, why, where, and how to engage. The same principle applies here—understanding the timing and necessity of our actions is crucial.  

One of the most important factors in any political decision is access to the right information. A fight is only worth engaging in if one has the correct facts and strategies. When I read a write up by my dear brother and friend, Mr. Austine Ibok, about 72 hours ago, I felt compelled to respond. He commended the PDP State Working Committee (SWC) members for maintaining integrity after our meeting with our state party leader, Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom, in Abuja last Thursday. However, his report appeared misleading, as it excluded critical details, including the fact that Barr. Ikem was not present.  

Rather than writing a rejoinder, I decided to present my thoughts in this form. It is possible that Mr. Ibok did not have complete information and was relying on a distorted brief. Some individuals may be seeking to project an image of integrity, even when their actions do not align with such claims.  

*Reasons for Supporting Barr. Ikem’s Reinstatement*

The decision to reinstate Barr. Venatius Ikem as the recognized chairman was not made arbitrarily. The party leadership carefully considered the following points before reaching this conclusion:  

Firstly, there is a need for an alignment with party leadership. The key financial leadership of the PDP in Cross River State is in agreement with the national decision. If the party’s financial structure supports the move, then it is only logical to align with it.  

Secondly, it was a strategic decision by the national leadership. As an opposition party, the PDP cannot afford internal divisions at this time. The national leadership has advised against further internal conflicts, especially considering the limited time left in the current tenure.  

Thirdly, it has legal implications.Any action taken in the state PDP today that disregards Barr. Ikem as chairman amounts to political grandstanding and is legally void. Adhering to the party’s constitution is crucial.  

Fourthly, we need to avoid legal battles. If the state leadership defies the national decision, we risk prolonged court battles that could outlast our tenure. Such distractions will only weaken the party’s structure ahead of future elections.  

Fifthly, We need to avoid the risk of state Exco dissolution. Continued defiance against the national leadership could result in the premature dissolution of the state executive committee, leading to the imposition of a caretaker committee without consultation.  

Sixthly, There is the need to strengthen the party. As an opposition party, internal conflicts are counterproductive. It is more beneficial to unite, rebuild, and reposition ourselves for future electoral success rather than engage in endless disputes.  

Furthermore, one of the key resolutions from our last meeting with the party leader was the importance of broad consultation. This process must be followed to avoid any perception of imposition. The goal should be to bring all stakeholders on board and ensure that Barr. Ikem’s reinstatement serves the greater interest of the party in Cross River State.   

Understandably, some party members may still have reservations about this decision. However, we must maintain consistency if we support the national leadership’s firm stance against the Calabar Zonal Congress, we should also respect its decision on the reinstatement of the state chairman.  

At this point, I strongly advocate for increased consultations, dialogue, and reconciliation. We must move past previous disagreements and focus on rebuilding the party. Our party leader in Cross River State has already made it clear that he will not engage