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Ukorebi Esien I September 27, 2025
CALABAR – Barr. Venatius Ikem has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State for a second term, following a peaceful and well-attended state congress held in Calabar.
The exercise, which took place in Calabar, witnessed a large turnout of delegates from across the 18 local government areas of the state and was widely described as transparent, peaceful, and orderly
Announcing the results, the State Electoral Commissioner of Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Mr. Venatius Ikem re-elected as State Chairman with 1,541 votes along side 38 other state executive council members
Speaking after his re-election, Ikem described his second mandate as "a new charge to rethink the party, refine its vision, and strengthen its structures for victory in future elections." He dismissed criticisms of his first tenure, insisting that his leadership sustained the PDP during turbulent times and kept it politically relevant in the state.
"I didn't bring the party from top to bottom. What I did was to sustain it and reposition it to remain on ground. Now, this is a new course for us to correct ourselves and move forward toward ultimate success," he said.
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who was present at the congress, described the exercise as "the only legitimate congress" of the PDP in the state. He noted that it was conducted in line with the party's constitution and the decision of its National Executive Committee (NEC), stressing that "there is no alternative or parallel process."
Sandy Onor: "All ingredients of success present"
Senator Sandy Onor, also present at the event, described the congress as a model of accountability and transparency.
"All the ingredients of success have been epitomised here today. We had a full house of delegates, a proper panel duly certified by the National Working Committee, and everything was done with accountability and transparency," he said.
Onor urged members to close ranks and rally behind the new leadership to strengthen the PDP's chances of reclaiming power from the ruling APC.
The newly elected executive, led by Ikem, is expected to reposition the PDP in the state and prepare it for the 2027 general elections, with a strong emphasis on unity, grassroots mobilisation, and internal reconciliation.
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