The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has re-elected its chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, alongside 38 other members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) in a congress held on September 27, 2025. The event, which took place at the Venetian Arena in Calabar, was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other statutory agencies, including the Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The congress was observed by INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikem, who led a team of observers. The exercise followed all necessary guidelines, with Chairman of the Electoral Panel, Hon. Jones Chukwudi, commending the process for its transparency. “For every election, according to the electoral guidelines, there are statutory institutions that must be present,” he said, declaring Ikem and the new executives duly elected.
In his acceptance speech, Ikem pledged to rebuild the party and strengthen its structures ahead of future elections. “With all the experiences we have gathered and the humility conferred on us today, we pledge to do much better,” he stated. Prominent PDP leaders, including former governorship candidate, Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor, and Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North, attended the congress and praised the process for its adherence to rules and transparency.
The successful conduct of the congress has been seen as a significant step forward for the party, with stakeholders calling for unity and reconciliation ahead of the 2027 elections. As Senator Jarigbe noted, “The way forward is for us to work together in order to achieve success in 2027.” Other party stakeholders, including former Deputy Governor, Barr. Efiok Cobham, and Hon. Eta Mbora, were also present at the event.
The re-election of Ikem and the new SEC members is expected to usher in a new era of leadership for the PDP in Cross River State. With the party pledging to rebuild and strengthen its structures, the next steps will be crucial in determining its success in future elections. As the party moves forward, it is likely to focus on reconciliation and unity, with the aim of achieving success in 2027.
