The crisis rocking the Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened, as the State Executive Committee (SEC) firmly maintains that its Chairman, Venatius Ikem, remains suspended until the National Working Committee (NWC) and key stakeholders meet to address the situation.
In a statement issued in Calabar by the party’s Secretary, Mr. Anthony Edako, the SEC dismissed a circulating letter allegedly from the National Organizing Secretary, which suggested Ikem’s reinstatement.
The party, however, declared the letter “null and void,” insisting it did not follow the proper channels.
According to the statement, only the National Chairman and Secretary are authorised to issue such a directive, with the National Publicity Secretary responsible for public communication.
“The National Organizing Secretary acted beyond his powers,” the statement stressed.
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Recounting the timeline of events, the SEC highlighted that after the NWC dismissed an earlier suspension of the Chairman on November 20, 2024, the State Executive Committee, acting on the recommendation of its Disciplinary Committee, re-suspended Ikem on November 22, 2024, and duly informed the national leadership.
The party stressed that the NWC had agreed to hold a meeting with Cross River stakeholders to determine Ikem’s fate—a meeting that has yet to take place.
“Until this meeting is convened and a decision is reached, any claim of reinstatement remains invalid,” the statement added.
Urging party members to disregard the circulating letter, the SEC called for unity, urging everyone to stay focused on the party’s collective goals.
“Unauthorized actions that undermine the leadership of our party will not be tolerated,” the statement concluded.
The crisis remains unresolved, with all eyes now on the NWC stakeholders’ meeting to decide the next chapter for the PDP in Cross River State.