By Edem Ekpo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has emerged from its state congress with renewed confidence, unity calls, and a firm focus on reclaiming power in the 2027 elections.
Venatius Ikem, who was re-elected as state chairman after securing 1,501 delegate votes, described his fresh mandate as a call to service and a responsibility to reposition the party.
“This fresh mandate is a call to service. We have been bestowed with a huge responsibility of repositioning the party ahead of 2027 to guarantee victory. What we are witnessing in our state calls for concern across party lines. We need to forge a formidable front to rescue our beloved state, Cross River, from the unfolding scenarios,” Ikem said.
He added that the PDP remains the only platform with the blueprint, experience, and personalities to restore the state’s eroding glory.
“It is becoming increasingly glaring that only the PDP boasts of the recipe to restore our state. Donald Duke did it, Liyel Imoke did it, before the huge tragedy witnessed under Ayade,” he declared.
Ikem also reached out to aggrieved members, urging them to return to the fold.
“I admit we made mistakes that led to the defeat in the last elections, but this renewed mandate is an opportunity to right the wrongs. Let’s come together and rebuild. We are better off together,” he said.
Echoing the chairman’s stance, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North, described the congress as legitimate and unassailable.
“This congress is a legitimate one. It is the congress that is validated and you could see from the delegates who came out to choose their leaders,” he said, stressing that the new leadership comprises capable men and women ready to reposition the PDP.
Also reacting, the 2023 governorship candidate of the PDP, Prof. Sandy Onor, applauded the exercise as transparent and accountable, noting that the massive attendance signaled the PDP’s growing momentum.
“The huge attendance indicates that our party has great momentum and the future is bright,” he stated.
Onor emphasized the need for unity, cohesion, and sincerity of purpose, urging members to put aside differences.
“I am appealing to all our members to team up. There is no need for division or faction. We are on the right track. Let’s come together. We need unity, cohesion, and sincerity of purpose to reclaim power in our state. That is our ultimate aspiration,” he declared.
The congress, held at the Venetian Arena in Calabar under tight security, attracted over 1,500 accredited delegates and produced 39 state executive officers. It was supervised by representatives of the PDP National Working Committee and observed by the Department of State Services and INEC officials.
Party heavyweights, including Senator Sandy Onor, Barr. Effiom Cobham, Hon. Godwin Offiono, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, Rt. Hon. Eta Mbora, and former Deputy Governor Effiom Cobham, were in attendance.