By Edem Ekpo
The Southern Senatorial District Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has rejected moves by a faction of the party to extend the tenure of the Barr. Venatius Ikem-led State Executive Committee.
Rising from a well-attended meeting held on Tuesday at AdSuit Hotel, Calabar, and presided over by the State Vice Chairman (South), Hon. Asuquo Ekpo, the Caucus condemned the Abuja meeting of August 31, 2025, where some stakeholders allegedly endorsed tenure elongation for the State Working Committee.
In a communiqué issued at the end of deliberations, the Caucus described the Ikem-led leadership as “riddled with conflicts and divisive tendencies,” insisting that such a leadership extension would only deepen the cracks within the party.
The gathering, which had in attendance key stakeholders including State Deputy Chairman Ntufam Denis Nkiri, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, former State Chairman Ntufam Ekpo Okon, legal luminary Mba Ukweni SAN, and several other party elders, resolved to throw its weight behind the forthcoming State Congress scheduled for September 27, 2025.
The Caucus commended the PDP National Woman Leader, Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm, for what it described as her “bold and decisive steps” in stabilizing the party in Cross River, adding that her intervention came at a critical time.
Reaffirming its commitment to a rancour-free and inclusive Congress, the Southern Caucus announced the adoption of state party offices earlier zoned to the district in line with the national template and the resolution of the Cross River Special Stakeholders’ meeting of August 29, 2025.
Determined not to repeat the missteps of 2023, when the PDP lost ground in the South, the Caucus urged all local government areas within the district to consult widely and nominate their most competent representatives for the elective congress.
It further pledged to continue engaging stakeholders across the LGAs with the aim of accommodating or realigning zoning arrangements where necessary.
“The Southern Senatorial District Caucus is committed to presenting a united and formidable front at the forthcoming congress,” the communiqué signed by Hon. Asuquo Ekpo, State Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Caucus, stated.