By Ekanem Asuquo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Cross River Central Senatorial District have reaffirmed their loyalty to the leadership of Venatius Ikem, declaring total support for the state structure while warning against attempts to destabilise the party.
Their position was contained in a five-point communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Planet Guest House, Calabar.
Signed by National Ex-Officio, Arc. Ekom Akonjom, along with chapter chairmen and other leaders, the communiqué accused the National Women Leader, Ms. Amina Arong, of colluding with defectors now in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The stakeholders alleged that she facilitated the purchase of PDP nomination forms for the defectors, with the aim of hijacking party structures and ceding them to the ADC.
Reaffirming their confidence in Ikem’s leadership, the meeting resolved that all elective offices across the senatorial district and local governments should remain in their existing zones in line with earlier zoning arrangements.
The leaders further pledged unwavering loyalty to the PDP at both state and national levels, vowing to work for the party’s unity and victory in future elections.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Joe Obi Bisong, drew attendance from key party leaders including Mr. Fidelis Ekpah (South-South Zonal Ex-Officio), Prince Mike Ojisi (State Publicity Secretary), Barr. Ikpi Eyong Ubana (State Legal Adviser), Chief Mark Obi, Hon. Fred Okpa Osim, Hon. Friday Okpeche, Hon. Itam Abang, Hon. Moses Onoh, Mrs. Ada Izani, Mr. Ayuk Ntui Tandu, Prof. Walter Mboto, Hon. Inah Ubi, and Mrs. Margaret Onen, Ph.D, among others.