By Francis Ajuonuma
The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the National Executive Committee (NEC) to impose sanctions on members allegedly loyal to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) who continue to identify themselves as PDP stakeholders.
Addressing journalists in Calabar, the State Chairman of the party, Venatius Ikem, accused the suspected ADC sympathisers of sponsoring internal discord and attempting to destabilise the PDP’s structure in the state.
Ikem, who described the development as a calculated move to weaken the party, vowed that the Cross River PDP would oppose any attempt to install a caretaker committee through all legal means, stressing that such a move would be unconstitutional and contrary to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).
“It is disappointing to see people who openly declared for the ADC now scheming to hijack PDP structures,” Ikem stated. “Rather than disciplining them, some elements are questioning the legitimacy of our congress and plotting to impose defectors as members of a caretaker committee over a duly elected executive.”
He explained that the just-concluded state congress was conducted peacefully, transparently, and in full compliance with the party’s constitution and the guidelines of the National Working Committee (NWC).
“Cross River PDP conducted one of the most credible congresses in recent times,” Ikem noted. “Members turned out en masse, voted freely, and produced a leadership that has already been sworn in and is fully operational.”
The chairman warned that any undemocratic attempt to displace the newly elected executive would be met with firm legal resistance, adding that the state chapter remained committed to the ideals of internal democracy and party discipline.
Ikem further reaffirmed the loyalty of the Cross River PDP to the NEC, urging the national leadership to act decisively in line with the party’s constitution and prevent actions capable of breeding disunity.
“We urge the NEC to take a clear stand. Those who left for ADC cannot continue to operate within the PDP,” he said. “It is time to enforce party discipline and restore order in the interest of fairness and justice.”
He emphasised that the PDP in Cross River remains strong and united, maintaining control of over 80 per cent of its political structures.
“Our unity is built on our commitment to uphold the constitution, defend democracy, and strengthen the PDP for future electoral success,” Ikem concluded.
