Dr. Peter Iyali, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, has alleged that the re-election of Venatius Ikem as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lacks legitimacy. Iyali, who argued that the congress was conducted by a faction without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC), maintained that the …
Cross River: PDP, APC Trade Words over Legality of Congress
Dr. Peter Iyali, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, has alleged that the re-election of Venatius Ikem as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lacks legitimacy.
Iyali, who argued that the congress was conducted by a faction without the approval of the National Working Committee (NWC), maintained that the exercise could produce parallel executive committees and even rival NWC members at the party’s national convention.
“The purported congress that produced Venatius Ikem as PDP chairman in Cross River State is factional and lacks the backing of the National Working Committee,” Iyali said.
Questions over PDP’s unity
He further stressed that the APC was not concerned about Ikem’s return, recalling that the PDP national leadership had already directed the South-South Zonal Committee to oversee the party’s affairs in the state.
Turning to Senator Jarigbe Agom, who represents Cross River North and is seen as a key PDP contender for 2027, Iyali questioned whether the party would even field candidates amid its divisions.
He urged Jarigbe and his supporters to focus on securing nominations rather than assuming the APC felt threatened, pointing to the deputy governor’s recent tour of the Northern District as evidence of APC’s growing influence.
PDP leaders defend exercise
In response, PDP leaders dismissed Iyali’s claims and insisted the congress was valid. The party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Prof. Sandy Onor, said a panel duly certified by the NWC, particularly from the National Organizing Secretary’s office, supervised the exercise.
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Other PDP stalwarts, including former deputy governor Effiok Cobham and ex-governorship aspirant Arthur Jarvis, also endorsed the congress, insisting it was legal. Senator Jarigbe himself said Ikem’s re-election was not only valid but backed by “98 per cent of party faithful.”
Previous NWC decision
It will be recalled that the PDP NWC had earlier dissolved the Ikem-led state working committee, citing expiration of tenure and warning against the planned congress.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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