By: Joe Ephraim, Calabàr
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has taken a fresh turn, with a faction of the party claiming that the group it described as the “Rainbow Coalition” is collapsing following the resignation of its factional chairman, Venatius Ikem.
The claim was made by the governorship candidate of the PDP faction loyal to Senator Tanimu Turaki, SAN, Julius Udayi, in a statement on the latest development within the opposition party.
Udayi said Ikem’s resignation was an indication that the political arrangement being promoted by the rival faction was losing momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, Ikem had previously played a prominent role in the rival faction, which he alleged was working to produce its preferred candidates for the 2027 elections.
He said: “The resignation of Mr. Ikem is not unconnected with the expected outcome of the awaited Court Judgment pending and loading to be delivered soon from the Nigerian Court of Appeal.”
Udayi further claimed that the court judgment would settle the dispute over the authentic candidates of the party in the state.
He maintained that candidates produced by the caretaker committee led by Turaki remained the authentic PDP candidates for the 2027 elections in Cross River, urging party members to remain calm and united while awaiting the court’s decision.
The governorship candidate described Ikem’s resignation as a positive development, saying it had vindicated the position of his faction that the rival political arrangement would not endure.
Udayi also called on PDP members to remain law-abiding and focused on preparations for the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that the party would overcome its internal crisis.
He said his political agenda remained focused on harnessing Cross River’s human and natural resources to promote self-sufficiency, inclusive development and economic growth.
The PDP has been divided into rival camps in Cross River State, with both sides laying claim to the party structure and the right to field candidates for the 2027 elections.
The latest development is expected to further shape the battle for control of the party as the legal and political disputes continue.
