By Akan Moses
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has unveiled its strategy to reclaim power in the 2027 general elections, declaring its resolve to unseat Governor Bassey Otu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party also threw its weight behind Barrister Venatius Ikem to continue as the state chairman, insisting that unity and continuity are key to its resurgence.
The declaration was made on Tuesday in Calabar after a meeting of top party stakeholders, where leaders resolved lingering disputes and adopted measures aimed at rebuilding grassroots support ahead of the polls.
Chairman of the Forum of PDP Chapter Chairmen, Odidi Emmanuel, told journalists that the party was now focused on consolidating its structures and mobilizing members across all 18 local government areas.
He said: โWe have had interactions with the state chairman of our great party, Barr. Venatius Ikem, in preparation for the forthcoming congress on September 27, 2025. After due consultation, we have resolved to support him to continue in office. We donโt need rancor in our party. As an opposition, we must be united, and we have found him competent and worthy to lead us into 2027.โ
Emmanuel emphasized that transparency and integrity will be the foundation of the PDPโs journey back to power, noting that the chapter chairmen have unanimously agreed to back Ikem and his executive team for continuity.
On his part, Secretary of the Forum, Obia Ikika, maintained that the decision to back Ikem was borne out of the productive relationship the chairmen had enjoyed with his leadership. He assured party faithful and Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the leader of the PDP in the state, of the Forumโs loyalty and commitment to decisions taken by the party leadership.
Ikika further stressed that the party is stronger and more united than in previous years, insisting that the PDP is well-positioned to reclaim its mandate in the 2027 elections.
โWe want to assure everyone that there is no problem in the party. The PDP is waxing stronger and will bounce back to take back Cross River in 2027,โ he said.