Cross River PDP crisis intensifies after Venatius Ikem resigns

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has escalated following the resignation of Venatius Ikem from the party. Julius Udayi, representing the Turaki-led faction, declared that the so-called ‘Rainbow Coalition’ has collapsed as a result of this departure.

Udayi, who is the faction's governorship candidate, characterized Ikem's resignation as a significant setback for the political influence of Governor Nyesom Wike within the state's PDP. He alleged that Ikem had been acting as a factional chairman to promote candidates aligned with the Rainbow Coalition before resigning.

The Turaki-led faction expressed confidence that an impending judgment from the Court of Appeal will resolve the ongoing leadership dispute and validate their candidates. Udayi urged party members to remain calm and steadfast, maintaining that the candidates nominated by their caretaker committee are the authentic representatives of the party.