Life, which appeared to have left the Cross River State chapter of the PDP, may have returned to the party, with the coming together of its leaders, in an effort to move the party forward.
The state chapter of the party had gone into disarray after the 2023 election, following its abysmal showing. While many of the party leaders had to leave for the ruling APC, others chose to stay aloof.
There were also issues around leadership. It was not clear who the leader was in the state, between Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe who was able to win his election, and Senator Sandy Onor, who was unsuccessful in his bid to become governor.
There were moves to remove the state chairman, Venatius Ikem, largely by those who were no more comfortable with his leadership style, particularly those who felt that the party did not do well in the state because of him.
But things are changing. The party leaders are coming together and have already decided to allow Ikem continue as chairman of the party.
At a meeting which had representatives from various local government areas of the state, including Jarigbe, as well as Godwin Offiono, Member House of Representatives, and a former deputy governor in the state, Effiok Cobham, the stakeholders showed signs of reconciliation.
After the meeting, they decided as follows:
- Continuation of Executive Committee Members: The caucus unanimously agreed that the State Executive Committee members of the party, whose tenure expires in September 2025 should be allowed to continue in office for another term. This decision is aimed at ensuring continuity and stability within the party as we prepare for the 2027 general elections.
- Review and Replacement Mechanism: However, the caucus resolved that any local government area that feels its representative in the Executive Committee has not performed satisfactorily may initiate a replacement process.
- Furthermore, Local Government Areas whose representatives have decamped from the party were mandated to nominate new and credible representatives to replace them.
