By Edem Ekpo, Calabar
The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) of shielding loyalists of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that such individuals are working covertly to destabilize the PDP in the state.
State Chairman of the party, Venatius Ikem, Esq., made this known while addressing journalists in Calabar, expressing concern that some former PDP members who defected to the ADC were now posing as stakeholders to infiltrate and create discord within the party.
Ikem described the development as a “deliberate act of sabotage” aimed at undermining the unity and organizational strength of the PDP ahead of subsequent elections.
“It is both unfortunate and embarrassing to see conflicting statements purportedly coming from our national headquarters. Rather than sanctioning those who publicly declared for the ADC, certain individuals appear to be rewarding them with caretaker committee appointments, while casting doubts on the legitimacy of our peaceful and transparent state congress,” he said.
The chairman maintained that the recently concluded congress in Cross River was conducted in full compliance with the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended) and the National Working Committee (NWC) guidelines. According to him, the new state executive has been duly inaugurated and has commenced its functions.
Ikem further stated that those challenging the congress outcome had forfeited their PDP membership by openly pledging allegiance to another party.
“They cannot return to infiltrate and destabilize our structures. We have records of their public defections,” he said.
He emphasized that the PDP’s grassroots support across the state remains strong, with over 80 percent of ward and chapter executives loyal to the current leadership.
“Our structure remains solid and focused. We will not permit infiltrators or political opportunists to derail the unity we have built,” he stressed.
Ikem then urged the National Executive Committee (NEC) to take decisive action by announcing punitive measures against identified ADC apologists within the party’s ranks, warning that failure to act could embolden saboteurs.
“The NEC must rise to the occasion and defend the party’s integrity. We cannot allow defectors masquerading as members to continue to undermine our cohesion,” he declared.
He reaffirmed the state chapter’s commitment to the ideals of the PDP, urging the national leadership to uphold fairness, internal democracy, and respect for the will of members.
“The Cross River PDP remains disciplined, cohesive, and law-abiding. We are determined to defend the sanctity of our constitution and the integrity of our structures,” Ikem concluded.