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…Says Rainbow Coalition has collapsed in Cross River
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has deepened following the resignation of Barr. Venatius Ikem, with the faction loyal to Senator Tanimu Turaki declaring the collapse of the Rainbow Coalition in the state.
In a press statement signed by its governorship candidate, Mr. Julius Udayi, and 37 other candidates, the Turaki-led faction said Ikem’s exit marks the end of what it described as Governor Nyesom Wike’s political ploy in Cross River State.
Ikem, who the group described as having been “imposed by the Wike faction as factional Chairman of the PDP,” recently resigned his membership of the party.
The Turaki camp said it was not surprised by the development, linking it to an expected judgment from the Court of Appeal.
“The resignation of Mr. Ikem is not unconnected with the expected outcome of the awaited Court Judgment pending to be delivered soon from the Nigerian Court of Appeal. We are glad because the chaff will soon be separated from the weeds,” the statement read.
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The group reiterated that all candidates sponsored by the Turaki-led Caretaker Committee remain the authentic flag bearers of the PDP in the state.
“Let us reiterate that I, Mr. Julius Udayi and Mr. Ebri Inah and all other candidates nominated by the Turaki-led executive are the authentic flag bearers of our great party without more,” Udayi stated.
While mocking the opposition within the party, the statement commended Ikem for quitting, describing his decision as an act of repentance.
“Mr. Vena Ikem himself as an experienced lawyer throwing in the towel at this time is itself an indication of the end of Wike’s political ploy in Cross River State. We see that he is tired of being used by his paymasters,” it added.
Udayi urged his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, expressing confidence that the party would emerge stronger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
