The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has inaugurated a 20-member committee to oversee preparations for its forthcoming state congress, scheduled to hold on September 27 in Calabar.
State Chairman of the party, Venatius Ikem, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, stressing that the committee was constituted to guarantee a credible, transparent, and peaceful congress that will strengthen the party’s structures ahead of future elections.
The committee will be chaired by former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu, while Mrs. Hellen Bocco was named as the Secretary. Ikem expressed confidence that the panel would deliver on its mandate and help reposition the PDP in the state.
However, the build-up to the congress has not been without tension. While some stakeholders have called for the retention of the current State Working Committee (SWC) led by Ikem to promote continuity and party unity, other voices within the state are pushing for changes.
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In a recent show of solidarity, all 18 local government chairmen of the PDP resolved to back the re-election of the present SWC. Speaking on their behalf, the Chairman of Chairmen, Mr. Odili Achom, lauded Ikem’s leadership and described his stewardship over the last four years as effective and result-driven.
“We are aware of the diverse opinions regarding the chairmanship of the PDP in Cross River, but we believe Venatius Ikem has the capacity and experience to continue. His leadership has brought stability to the party, and we stand firmly behind him,” Achom said.
The outcome of the September 27 congress is expected to shape the future direction of the PDP in Cross River as the party works to consolidate its base and position itself as a formidable force in the state’s political landscape.
