Tensions rise within Cross River PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River has drawn a line: the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, won’t be calling the shots in choosing the next state party chairman.
This stance was made clear after a caucus meeting of the Cross River South Senatorial District held in Calabar on Wednesday.
Local leadership pushes back
Speaking after the meeting, PDP Vice Chairman for the state, Asuquo Ekpo, said the gathering was meant to tackle “urgent political issues” affecting both the senatorial district and the wider state.
In a communique signed by Ekpo, the caucus rejected a resolution from Wike’s loyalists at a separate Abuja meeting, which had proposed extending the current chairman’s tenure.
The current leadership, led by Venatius Ikem, was described as divisive and riddled with internal conflicts.
Eyes on September 27 congress
The Cross River South caucus is now focused on making the upcoming state congress on September 27 inclusive and drama-free. It has reaffirmed support for zoning arrangements already in place, particularly those assigning key roles to the southern senatorial district.
The caucus also wants each local government area in the region to nominate its strongest candidate for the congress.
Learning from 2023 losses
Leaders pointed to the 2023 elections—where the party lost ground in the South—as a wake-up call. They’re pushing for a more united front this time around.
The caucus also left the door open for some flexibility in zoning, saying it will consult across LGAs to adjust if needed.
Shout-out to Amina Bryhm
Before wrapping up, the group gave props to PDP National Woman Leader, Amina Bryhm, for her firm moves aimed at stabilizing the party across Cross River State.
