The 18 local government area chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River have said they back Mr. Venatius Ikem, the current state chairman of the party, for re-election.
They explained that their support is based on Ikem’s competence, transparency, and strong leadership, noting that his continued tenure would maintain stability and unity in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The chairmen announced their position after a meeting on Wednesday.
They held a press conference in Calabar to make their support known.
Mr. Odidi Achom, the chairman of the chapter, said, “We are aware of the various interests that have been shown by different blocs on the issue of chairmanship of the party in Cross River, but for us, we are in full support of Ikem’s continuity.”
He added, “Firstly, he is competent and has done very well since he assumed leadership of the party about four years ago.
Our meeting today is to put the house in order before the Sept. 27 congress.
We consulted widely and decided that he should continue.”
Mr. Obia Ikika, the secretary of the chairmen, said they have enjoyed a good working relationship with Ikem and want to continue in that spirit.
He noted, “While we understand there is a contest, our goal is to avoid rancor in the party, so we aligned ourselves with the decision taken by the caucus leadership regarding the continuity of the present State Working Committee led by Venatius Ikem.”
The chairmen recalled that the state leadership caucus had resolved for the Ikem-led SWC to continue in office, despite opposition from some leaders in the southern and central senatorial districts.
They emphasized that Congress to formally install new leadership at the state level is scheduled for September 27.