Ukorebi Esien | April 15, 2025
CALABAR — The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been plunged into fresh crisis as members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) accuse Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, of betraying the party by allegedly aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move they claim is crippling the PDP's opposition strength and fueling internal disintegration.
In what appears to be a coordinated uprising, 21 out of 36 State Executive Committee members, led by the zonal officers and party stakeholders from the three senatorial districts, demanded Ikem's immediate removal, citing gross misconduct, financial opacity, and autocratic leadership. They allege that his continued stay in office threatens the future of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the center of the storm is an allegation that Ikem has been "playing both sides" by allegedly fraternizing with high-ranking APC leaders. Although the aggrieved officials did not publicly name those involved, they argue that this unholy alliance has rendered the PDP ineffective in its watchdog role. "Our chairman has compromised the soul of our party," a top party official stated under anonymity. "He is too cozy with those we are supposed to oppose. How then can we challenge bad governance?"
In a statement made available to TND, Hon. Rita Ekpenyong, Assistant State Secretary (South), disclosed that the SEC had, in accordance with the party's constitution, issued a communiqué mandating Ikem to appear before the committee on April 10, 2025, to answer to the weighty allegations. "He ignored the invitation and also refused to honour a seven-day grace period. That is a clear show of disrespect to the same body that gave him a mandate," she stated.
A cross-zonal investigative team, she said, visited the party secretariat and submitted its findings to the larger SEC, prompting the move for disciplinary measures.
Comrade Egbe Awo, Assistant Organizing Secretary (Central), described Ikem's leadership as "a one-man show," alleging that party decisions were often taken without consultations. "He takes unilateral actions and later stamps them as SEC resolutions. That's not democracy; it's dictatorship," he said. Awo also condemned what he called "threatening memos" issued to loyal party members, adding that Ikem's silence in the face of growing disenchantment has worsened the crisis.
In addition to poor leadership style, the party boss is also being accused of financial mismanagement. According to the petitioners, the chairman has handled party funds in a non-transparent manner, often working with a small circle of confidants without any formal budgetary disclosures. "There is no documented system for revenue or expenditure. We demand a detailed financial account of the party's income and expenses since September 2021," one member said.
During an extraordinary meeting on March 28, the SEC resolved to escalate the matter to the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), invoking relevant sections of the party's constitution to demand Ikem's removal. The resolution was also copied to key party figures including former governors Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke, and serving senators Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Sandy Onor, and Gershom Bassey.
The crisis has reportedly triggered an exodus of party members. Prominent among them is Barr. Attah Ochinke, former House of Reps candidate for Ikom/Boki, and several local officials, many of whom accuse Ikem of employing "divide-and-rule" tactics that have alienated the grassroots.
Hon. Agabi Jacobs, Assistant Youth Leader (North), emphasized that while the petitioners are committed to internal unity, they are also ready to pursue legal redress if necessary. "We're trying to salvage the party using internal mechanisms. But if this abuse continues unchecked, we will head to court to save our party," he declared.
Esse Joseph, Assistant State Secretary (North), criticized the PDP's underwhelming performance as an opposition under Ikem's leadership. "While the APC-led government showcases routine projects as major feats, our party remains mute. Compare that with the performance of federal lawmakers like Senator Jarigbe, and you'll see the void Ikem has created," he lamented.
As of press time, Barr. Venatius Ikem has not responded to the allegations. However, insiders suggest that he may soon issue a rebuttal and rally his loyalists to counter the moves against him.
Meanwhile, SEC sources reveal that the committee is considering suspending Ikem and setting up a caretaker committee to lead the party pending the NEC's response. Such a move, if ratified, could dramatically reshape the leadership of the PDP in Cross River State and signal a new chapter in its internal reorganization.
With tensions running high, many are left wondering not just if Vena Ikem can weather this political storm — but whether the PDP in Cross River can survive this fracture and emerge as a united force before the 2027 elections.
— Developing story —
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