2027: Re-elected PDP Organizing Secretary, Francis Ekeng Unveils Agenda to End Party Disunity

Ukorebi Esien | September 29, 2025

CALABAR -The re-elected Organising Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Mr. Francis Ekeng, has pledged to deepen transparency and inclusiveness in the party’s processes. He outlined fresh strategies to strengthen internal cohesion and prevent disunity as the PDP prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Ekeng said he was humbled by the confidence reposed in him by delegates, having secured 1,499 votes at the just-concluded state congress.

“This is a mandate I don’t take lightly. The organising secretary’s role is about fairness, balance, and inclusiveness. My duty is to ensure that all congresses, primaries, and mobilisations reflect the true spirit of democracy within our party,” he said.

Ekeng, who secured a second term during the party’s just-concluded state congress, said his mandate was both “humbling and an honour,” adding that it reflected the trust and confidence of party members in his leadership.

“This mandate is not just a recognition of my efforts, but also a testament to the trust and confidence the party members have in me to drive the party’s growth and success,” he stated.

With internal disagreements often threatening party stability, Ekeng stressed that one of his priorities would be fostering unity and averting avoidable litigations. He revealed plans to establish open communication channels, encourage dialogue to resolve grievances, and set up clear guidelines for party activities. Reflecting on his first tenure, Francis highlighted grassroots mobilisation, strong relationships with members, and adaptability as key lessons that will shape his second term.

“Internal democracy is the lifeblood of a political party. My duty is to ensure that our processes are transparent, inclusive, and credible,” he said.

Four-Year Agenda

Ekeng highlighted four key priorities for his second term:

• Strengthening Party Structures: Building a robust machinery to sustain the PDP.
• Membership Engagement: Giving greater voice to youths and women.
• Internal Cohesion: Promoting respect, fairness, and accountability among members.
• Electoral Success: Mobilising support and building strategies to ensure the PDP regains power in 2027.

He assured members that the new leadership would run an open, inclusive administration.

“To our members, especially the youth and women, I want to assure you that we are committed to building a strong and inclusive party that represents the interests of all members. Together, we can achieve great things and build a brighter future for our party and our state,” he said.

With Ekeng’s re-election, the PDP in Cross River now has a full 39-member state executive led by Chairman Venatius Ikem, re-elected for a second term, tasked with repositioning the party ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Political observers say Ekeng’s re-election and his call for inclusiveness could be crucial in repositioning the PDP as it seeks to reclaim dominance in Cross River politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

Jarigbe Hails PDP Congress as Legitimate, Dismisses Doubts Over Process

Ukorebi Esien I September 27, 2025

CALABAR —Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has described the just-concluded state congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River as both legitimate and credible, stressing that there was no alternative or parallel process to undermine its validity.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, Jarigbe said he was satisfied with the conduct of the congress, noting that it was calm, well-organised, and reflective of the will of party members.

"It is a legitimate congress. There is no alternative. This is the only congress," he stated firmly, when asked to clarify his use of the term "legitimate."

The lawmaker dismissed speculations that some groups within the party had sought to stop the congress, insisting that such voices were "incompetent to take that decision." Citing a popular legal maxim, he said: "In law, you cannot put something on nothing. That is disregarded."

When asked what would happen if any faction or group sought to challenge the outcome in court, Jarigbe maintained that the process was in strict alignment with the party's constitution and therefore unassailable.

"This congress holding today is predicated on NEC's decision. That's why we are holding this congress. I don't think there is any group that can go to court or challenge this in any way," he affirmed.

On whether the exercise will strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, the senator expressed optimism. "Very, very well. We chose very capable men and women to run the affairs of the party. So we are good to go," he said.

Jarigbe also addressed his past disagreements with the state chairman of the party, saying such issues had since been resolved amicably. "We had some disagreements, but we resolved it as a family. So we are good to go," he assured.

In his post-election remarks, the re-elected State Chairman, Venatius Ikem, said the congress offered the party an opportunity to rebuild and reposition itself.

The congress, which produced Venacious Ikem as chairman for a second term, is expected to reposition the PDP in Cross River State as the party prepares to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next electoral cycle.

PDP Crisis Deepens as Zonal Committee Confirms Postponement of C'River Congress

Ukorebi Esien I September 26, 2025

CALABAR — The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State deepened on Thursday following conflicting statements over the conduct of the state congress earlier scheduled for Saturday, 27th September 2025

While the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, backed by the party's National Working Committee (NWC), announced a postponement of the exercise, the State Deputy Secretary of the party, Mr. Joseph Ese, insisted the congress would still go ahead as planned.

Speaking in Calabar, during a meeting between Members of the South South Zonal Caretaker Committee and statekholders of the party in Cross River State, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Mr. Emmanuel Ogidi, confirmed that the NWC had taken the decision to shift the exercise in Cross River and Plateau States. He explained that the move was to ensure order and fairness in the process, stressing that "you don't do congress when there is confusion."

Members of the South South Zonal Caretaker Committee during the meeting with stakeholders in Calabar 

According to him, reports of a purported injunction against the exercise, allegedly obtained by one Nabuchadze, were false and only circulated on social media.

"Where did they get that injunction? They are seeing it online. The party is not run on social media, and the court does not run the party either. The Supreme Court has ruled that internal party affairs are governed by the constitution of the party once its rules are followed," Gidi stated.

He further clarified that the NWC is empowered by the PDP constitution to take decisions on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), subject to later ratification. "The NWC implements the decisions of the party's highest organs and can also take decisions in their absence. These decisions are subsequently ratified by NEC or the convention," he said.

A Cross Section of PDP Stakeholders during
 a recent meeting held in Calabar with members of the South South Zonal Caretaker Committee members 

Ogidi also warned that any parallel congress organized outside the authority of the NWC would not be recognized, noting that materials for the exercise remain under the control of the recognized party leadership.

However, in a counter position, State Deputy Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Joseph Ese, dismissed claims that the congress had been suspended. He maintained that the convention would still hold, insisting that "a group of persons identified as coordinators and members of the ADC cannot dictate for our party."

Ese explained that issues that would have led to the suspension had already been resolved at the national level in Abuja, adding that internal crises in politics are often settled even at the "eleventh hour."

"It is too early to conclude that the congress will not hold because of issues that can be resolved even at the last moment," he argued.

The conflicting positions have left party faithful in Cross River State uncertain, with some members aligning with the zonal caretaker committee's directive while others insist on proceeding with the state exercise.

Political analysts warn that the disagreement is an indication of the fragile state of the PDP in Cross River, which has struggled to regain cohesion since losing the governorship to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.

As of press time, no new date has been fixed for the rescheduled congress by the NWC, while the state secretariat insists preparations for Saturday's exercise remain intact.

[Developing Story] Out’s Aide Accuses Former Fed. Lawmaker of Business Betrayal and Illegal Mining as Legal Battle Looms

Ukorebi Esien | July 21, 2025

 

CALABAR -A heated dispute has erupted between the Chairman of the Cross River State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force, Prince Paul Effiong, and former federal lawmaker Hon. Daniel Asuquo, popularly known as DANSUKI, over allegations of business betrayal, illegal mining, and political intimidation.

What initially began as a verbal business agreement between two political allies has now snowballed into a full-blown public scandal, drawing in security agencies, federal regulators, and legal practitioners, with potential implications for the broader mining sector in Cross River State.

Prince Paul Effiong, who served as Director of Operations during Hon. Dan Asuquo's campaign for the Cross River South Senatorial Seat, disclosed in a recorded interview that after Dan's electoral loss, he encouraged him to venture into mining as an alternative livelihood.

"I personally facilitated the mining venture. I even filled the mining license forms with his wife at Zenith Bank for the registration process," Prince Paul stated. "We had a verbal agreement that I would receive 30% of whatever profit comes out of the mining business, while he and his wife take 70%."

According to him, despite securing contracts to supply iron ore to Lafarge and broker labor services and raking in over N280m, Dan allegedly reneged on their agreement and has not paid him a dime since operations commenced in 2023.

Beyond the personal grievances, Prince Paul, who now heads the state's Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force, alleges that the former Lawmaker who represented Akamkpa/Biase federal constituency in the green Chambers for 12 years, also engaged in illegal mining activities. He explained that DANSUKI has been mining outside the approved coordinates of his Small-Scale Mining Lease (SSML No. 55800) located in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

A letter from the Federal Mines Office dated April 7, 2025, confirmed that while Doveline Investment Limited, the company associated with Hon. Asuquo holds a valid mining lease, the coordinates observed during an inspection did not align with the approved boundaries. The Ministry directed the company to relocate its activities within legal limits or risk revocation.

 

Efforts to enforce the order were reportedly met with resistance. "He brought in armed soldiers to guard the illegal site," Prince Paul alleged. "This led to a standoff between our task force, civil defense, and his hired security."

Prince Paul informed that matters took a dramatic turn when He was arrested by operatives from the IGP Monitoring Unit allegedly on the orders of Hon. Asuquo. He was detained and charged with Obtaining by Trick (OBT), a criminal charge he strongly denies.

"He used his connections with the Chief of Staff to the President to bring in the IGP squad to intimidate me. I slept in a cell despite committing no offence. They started with a N5 million bail, which was later reduced to ₦1 million," Paul narrated.

He noted that his eventual release was facilitated by interventions from the Cross River State Government, including the State Security Adviser and the Commissioner of Police.

In response, Hon. Dan Asuquo, through his legal counsel, Dennis Tarhemba & Co., has issued a formal demand notice to Prince Paul, describing his public statements as "injurious falsehood and cyberbullying."

The letter, dated July 19, 2025, demands that Prince Paul retracts his statements within 48 hours via national dailies and pays ₦1 billion in damages or face legal action. The letter also confirmed that a petition had earlier been submitted to the Inspector General of Police over alleged unlawful interference with Dan's mining site and a claim of advance fee fraud.

State Government Maintains Neutrality

While Prince Paul currently serves under the Cross River State Government, a government official who is familiar with the situation but pleaded not to be disclosed because he hasn't been authorized to speak on the matter has affirmed that the Cross River Government has refused to shield Prince Paul from accountability.

"The situation is very delicate; these are two brothers affiliated with the governor. The governor has tried to play safe but wants justice served without favoritism. Answers are needed for these critical questions: Did Paul do the License for DANSUKI after collecting the acclaimed N10m? Was the site DANSUKI was mining legally his? That tells you the government is standing for due process, not personalities," he said.

Prince Paul revealed that Dan Asuquo is not the only one under scrutiny. "We've impounded several excavators from illegal miners and spent over ₦9 million to repatriate hundreds of illegal miners. The prison system cannot even accommodate them all," he said, urging The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to take up their role in monitoring mining activities in the state.

INEC Announces Voter Registration Schedule Ahead of 2025 Anambra Governorship Election

Ukpa Ewa | July 4, 2025

AWKA - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the start of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Anambra State, as preparations intensify for the 2025 Governorship election and scheduled by-elections.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, disclosed this during a meeting with journalists held at INEC headquarters in Awka.

According to Dr. Agwu, the CVR exercise will begin on July 8 and run through July 17, 2025, across all 326 wards in the state. Registration will take place daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding Mondays.

She made it clear that the current CVR is strictly for Governorship election slated for November 8, 2025. It will not apply to the Anambra South Senatorial and Onitsha North I State Constituency by-elections scheduled for August 16, 2025.

"This registration is not for the by-elections. It is strictly for the governorship poll. If you register during this window, you won't be eligible to vote in August. Those elections will use the current voter register," she explained.

The registration target individuals who have not registered before, those whose voter cards are missing or damaged and those needing changes to their information. She encouraged eligible residents to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that online platforms can be used for updates, but fresh registration must be done in person to capture biometric data.

Dr. Agwu warned against arriving before or after the designated time. "If you register before 9:00 AM or after 3:00 PM, the system will reject it. The server shuts down automatically and such entries won't be valid," she cautioned.

INEC, she added, has received 376 configured scanners for the exercise to work in line with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Training for adhoc personnel is scheduled for July 4 and July 5, 2025. She confirmed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been officially notified to mobilize corp members for the assignment.

Speaking on the by-elections, Dr. Agwu said arrangements are already in motion. Political parties are expected to conduct primaries and submit their candidates for the elections in eight local government areas. Only voters already on the register in those affected areas will be allowed to vote.

She also announced that after the by-elections, INEC will begin another round of CVR from August 17 to August 26, 2025. However, this phase will not apply to the November governorship election, but rather form part of the preparation for the 2027 general election.

On preparations for the main governorship poll, she explained that INEC has published the list of 16 political parties and their deputy candidates. The Commission has also met with traditional rulers, party executives and community stakeholders to provide election guidelines and expectations.

The REC further urged Ndi Anambra to participate actively and avoid voter apathy. "This is not just a process; it is your right. Registration is free, takes just a few minutes and everything is being handled electronically," she said.

She warned against paying anyone for registration, saying the process is fully funded by the federal government and does not require any payment from citizens.

"Don't wait till it is too late. This is your chance to be part of the decision. Get registered and get ready to vote," she stated.

The Standard Has Dropped: Otu’s Aide Berates Senator Eteng Jones Over Poor Representation

Ukorebi Esien |  July 4, 2025

CALABAR - A storm of political discontent is brewing in Cross River Central Senatorial District as an aide to Governor Bassey Edet Otu has openly criticized the incumbent Senator Eteng Jonah Williams over what he described as a decline in quality representation, ineffective leadership, and underwhelming constituency impact.

In a fiery interaction with pressmen, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Comrade Daniel Obo while reflecting on the youth inclusion drive under the Otu-led administration, took a hard stance on the senator's performance, declaring that "the standard has dropped" in the senatorial district and promising that the youth would no longer support ineffective representation in 2027.

"In the history of Cross River, Central has always produced senators of class. This is the first time our senator is being asked to sit down in the Senate chambers. They never did that to John Owan, not to Ndoma-Egba, not to Sandy Onor. This standard of representation is beneath us," he stated.

Dan Obo who is currently serving as the South-South Vice president, National Youth Council of Nigeria  decried the lack of legacy projects in Central Senatorial District. He pointed to several abandoned projects including the National Youth Centres in Ikom and Akparabong, and dilapidated health infrastructure, citing that "outside of streetlights and exercise books," there is little to show in terms of strategic development under the current senator.

Obo noted that while the Otu-led administration has created deliberate space for youth inclusion and empowerment across sectors, Senator Eteng has failed to maintain engagement with the very youth who rallied behind his 2023 senatorial bid.

"Less than two years into office, he called a youth meeting, all six key youth leaders boycotted it. These are the same people who worked for him, and they have nothing to show for it," he said.

He emphasized that the governor's youth mobilization architecture is not just tokenism but an intentional effort to prepare young people for leadership and policy impact.

"You can see it in the make-up of the House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, and key appointments. The governor is building a system that the youth can inherit, not by default, but by merit," he added.

Senator's Alleged Failures and Call for Merit-Based Ticket
Berating what he called a "sense of entitlement" to a second term, the aide argued that Senator Eteng has not earned a return ticket and insisted that the 2027 ticket should be based on performance, not political maneuvering.

"After two years in the Senate, the people should be agitating for your return, not you lobbying for an automatic ticket. Anyone lobbying for an automatic ticket after failing in performance is a disgrace," he said.

He pointed to other leaders across the state, including those from the South, whom he claimed have supported even aides of Senator Eteng in getting federal jobs, arguing that such gestures have elevated the standard of representation in those areas and should be emulated.

Central Youths Ready to Chart a New Course
The aide expressed support for the Commissioner for Special Duties, Oden Ewa, who he described as providing "visible leadership" in the senatorial district. Though Ewa has not publicly declared interest in the Senate race, Obo said youths from across the 66 wards of Central are already rallying around his leadership credentials.

"The Commissioner hasn't said he wants to run, but they're already jittery. We believe he has the vision to restore dignity to the Central seat. We want a senator who will bring industry, exploit our natural resources, and domesticate leadership, not just share pencils and textbooks," 

he asserted.

Responding to insinuations that he may be sponsored by any political heavyweight, the youth Leader declared:

"I don't have a principal outside of the governor. No one can point to me as their project. I'm loyal only to the vision of His Excellency, and that vision is clear performance over politics."

He concluded by reaffirming his loyalty to the current administration's agenda and reiterated that the youth in Central would not tolerate another round of ineffective leadership cloaked in party loyalty.

"In 2027, the mandate is for the people. And God willing, we will have our own."