By Edem Ekpo
The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a 20-member committee to coordinate preparations for its forthcoming state congress.
Chaired by former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu, the committee has Chief (Barr.) Helen Bocco as Secretary. Other members include Prof. Walter Mboto, Prof. Tom Ogar, Rt. Hon. Fred Osim, Barr. Mike Aniah, Barr. Francis Anom, Barr. Victor Edim, Barr. Paul Ebiala, Dr. Ivon Ettah, Hon. Ina Ibor, Hon. Ayuk Ntui, Hon. Edet Okokon Asuquo, Hon. Kingsley Ndem, Hon. Itam Abang, Hon. Donatus Etim, and Hon. Jimmy Aninegeh, among others.
During the inauguration, State PDP Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, clarified that the committee’s mandate is to plan the congress, while the party’s National Working Committee will constitute the election committee to oversee the balloting process.
He expressed confidence in the team’s competence and urged members to focus on unity and rebuilding the party at the state level.
Prof. Akpagu, in his response, pledged the committee’s dedication to delivering a smooth and credible congress.
He described the appointees as men and women of integrity and called on stakeholders to work in harmony to strengthen the PDP as a viable alternative in Cross River State.
The state congress, expected to hold later this month, is part of the PDP’s broader efforts to reposition itself ahead of future elections in Cross River. Party leaders have stressed the importance of transparent internal processes as a way to restore members’ confidence and attract wider support across the state’s 18 local government areas.
The forthcoming congress is seen as an opportunity to heal divisions, rebuild structures at the grassroots, and strengthen the party’s chances in subsequent electoral contests.
The Venatius Ikem–led executive is expected to be elected for a second term, having been endorsed by key stakeholders of the party, including former governors, serving and former lawmakers, the Central and Northern caucuses of the PDP, as well as all chapter chairmen across the 18 local government areas of the state.