By Asuquo Cletus
A major political storm is brewing in Cross River State as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces an internal revolt threatening to fracture its ranks. Key members of the State Executive Committee (SEC), party stakeholders, and zonal representatives have openly declared a loss of confidence in the leadership of State Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, accusing him of running the party like a dictatorship and threatening to seek legal redress if internal mechanisms fail.
The crisis, erupted into public view following a communiqué signed by 21 of the 36 SEC members. The document summoned Ikem to appear before the committee on April 10, 2025, to address allegations ranging from autocratic leadership and financial impropriety to compromising the party’s role as an opposition force. Ikem reportedly ignored the summons and a subsequent seven-day grace period, prompting party officials to escalate their demands.
Hon. Rita Ekpenyong, Assistant State Secretary (South), described the development as the result of “long-standing frustration” within party ranks. “We followed due process in line with the PDP constitution. His refusal to appear or engage shows clear disregard for the party’s structures and discipline,” she said.
Party executives have accused Ikem of sidelining collective decision-making. Comrade Egbe Awo, Assistant Organizing Secretary (Central), described the chairman’s style as “undemocratic and unproductive.”
“He doesn’t call meetings or consult the SEC. He takes unilateral decisions and presents them as resolutions. That’s not leadership—it’s authoritarianism,” Awo said.
The embattled chairman is accused of managing the party’s funds without transparency or proper documentation. The SEC is demanding a full audit of finances since Ikem assumed office in September 2021.
During an extraordinary meeting held on March 28, party executives submitted a petition to the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), invoking constitutional provisions to support their call for Ikem’s removal. Copies of the petition were also sent to prominent PDP figures, including Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, and Senators Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Sandy Onor, and Gershom Bassey.
Perhaps most damning is the accusation that Ikem has compromised the PDP’s effectiveness as an opposition by allegedly fraternizing with leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While no specific names were mentioned, party insiders claim the chairman’s proximity to APC elements has weakened internal morale and eroded public confidence.
“He is playing both sides,” said one senior party official who asked not to be named. “We can’t challenge the government when our leader is aligned with it behind closed doors.”
The crisis has already taken a toll on the party’s cohesion, with several prominent members defecting in recent months. Among them is Barr. Attah Ochinke, a former House of Representatives candidate. Local and ward-level defections have also been reported, signaling deeper discontent at the grassroots.
“The party is hemorrhaging,” one stakeholder said. “We are watching our structure collapse from within while leadership remains silent.”
Hon. Agabi Jacobs, Assistant Youth Leader (North), said the group remains committed to internal unity but is prepared to go to court if necessary. “We’ve exhausted all constitutional remedies. Our intent is not to destroy the party but to rescue it in time for the 2027 elections,” he stated.
Esse Joseph, Assistant State Secretary (North), criticized the PDP’s muted voice under Ikem’s leadership. “While the state government celebrates small projects, the PDP sits in silence. That’s not opposition. Compare it with Senator Jarigbe’s performance and you’ll see the contrast.”
With no response from Ikem as the April 10 deadline lapses, insiders confirm that the SEC is now considering a motion to suspend him and install a caretaker committee to stabilize the party.
As of press time, Barr. Ikem has not issued a formal response to the allegations, or respond to calls from our correspondent.
Speaking with the state Financial Secretary, Comrade Chris Edadi who is a member of the state working committee and believed to be in the state Chairman’s faction, he noted that the chairman had done no wrong, as constitutionally he met with the SWC and the none state working committee members are feeling agrieved for what is irrelevant.
“We have SWC members who have offices in the secretariat and go to work everyday in ase of emergencies, these people who don’t even have offices in the secretariat think they should enjoy the same privileges like the SWC members.
The chairman met with us and LG leaders and they summoned the chairman to also meet with them. Their agitation are inconsequential. They rant in the day and turn behind at night to beg. Whatever petition or communique they have issued is dead on arrival” Edadi said
