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Ukorebi Esien | July 17, 2026
CALABAR – The leadership tussle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State took another turn on Friday as Julius Udayi formally presented himself as the party's governorship candidate under the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led National Working Committee (NWC), while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize candidates produced by the faction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists in Calabar, Udayi, flanked by candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and the Cross River State House of Assembly, said his emergence followed what he described as the lawful nomination process conducted under the leadership of the Tanimu Turaki-led national structure of the party.
According to him, the press briefing became necessary to address what he termed "misleading narratives" by individuals allegedly presenting themselves as PDP candidates under a different leadership.
"We are the duly nominated and recognized candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party under the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee," Udayi said.
He maintained that the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judgments affirmed the legitimacy of the Turaki-led leadership, insisting that candidates produced under that structure remain the authentic flag bearers of the party in Cross River State.
Udayi alleged that another group was falsely parading itself as the PDP's official candidates in the state, warning that such actions were capable of creating confusion among party supporters and the electorate ahead of the 2027 elections.
He appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, party faithful and other stakeholders to disregard what he described as false claims and political misinformation regarding the party's candidates in the state.
The governorship candidate also urged members of the public to recognize only candidates produced by the Turaki-led leadership, while reaffirming his faction's commitment to democratic principles and peaceful political engagement.
"As the authentic PDP family in Cross River State, we remain committed to providing credible leadership and working for the peace, progress and prosperity of our state," he stated.
The development adds another dimension to the leadership dispute within the PDP, with rival factions laying claim to the party's structure and candidates in Cross River State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The conflicting claims are expected to attract the attention of INEC and other relevant authorities as the electoral process gathers momentum.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate reaction from the rival PDP faction to Udayi's claims.
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