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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections in Cross River State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has embarked on strategic regrouping.
The regrouping, which took place in Calabar featured a high-level interactive session with stakeholders from the southern senatorial district in Calabar.
It focused on rebuilding internal cohesion, dispelling merger rumours and reaffirming the party’s grassroots strength.
Prominent political figures, including former public office holders, youth and women representatives, grassroots mobilisers and party loyalists from across the southern zone, graced the parley.
The meeting followed rising speculations in the political circles in the state about a potential coalition between the PDP and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
State PDP chairman, Vena Ikem, described the claims as untrue, insisting that PDP remains an independent party with deep roots in Cross River State.
“The rumour is baseless and calculated to distract loyal members. We remain a resilient, independent institution with deep roots in the state.
“Let it be clear that the PDP in Cross River State is not in talks with the ADC or any other party on any merger or coalition.
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“Our focus is on restoring trust and unity among members as we prepare to retake the reins of leadership through democratic means,” he said.
Former Deputy Governor of the state, Efiok Cobham, called on members to put aside personal grievances.
He assured stakeholders that all lingering internal disputes would be resolved, saying the southern district remains committed and sought for their active engagement ahead of the 2027 polls.
Ntufam Ekpo Okon, a stakeholder in the southern senatorial district, stressed that the party’s core challenges stemmed from the national leadership rather than the grassroots, and urged members to stay focused.
Arthur Jarvis, a former gubernatorial aspirant in the party, urged stakeholders not to be swayed by the allure of the ruling party as the grass is not greener on the other side.
Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu, reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, describing his time with the party as peaceful and rewarding.
“PDP has been my political home, and I’ve benefited immensely from it. My experience with the APC was disappointing. Now is the time to unite and make this party functional again,” he said.
A major resolution adopted at the meeting was the commitment to take the message of peace, unity and renewed political engagement back to the grassroots.
The PDP dominated the Cross River politics for over two decades, winning six gubernatorial elections and a host of other elective positions before capitulating to the APC in the last gubernatorial elections.
