The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has sounded the alarm over what it describes as coordinated efforts by defectors to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to sow discord within its ranks.
Speaking to reporters in Calabar on Monday, the PDP State Chairman, Venatius Ikem, alleged that certain individuals who had publicly left the party for the ADC were now attempting to undermine its internal stability.
“They are working secretly to destabilise the PDP in the state,” Ikem claimed, accusing the defectors of trying to reinsert themselves into PDP affairs under the guise of being stakeholders.
Describing the development as an “act of sabotage,” Ikem warned that these moves were aimed at weakening the party’s structure ahead of future political contests.
“It is unfortunate and embarrassing to see conflicting statements coming from our national headquarters. Instead of sanctioning those who openly declared for the ADC, some people are rewarding them with caretaker committee appointments while casting doubts on the legitimacy of our peaceful and transparent state congress,” he said.
Ikem reiterated that the recent congress in the state was conducted in full compliance with the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended) and the directives of the National Working Committee (NWC), adding that the newly elected executive had already taken up its responsibilities.
He was firm in asserting that individuals who had pledged allegiance to another political party could no longer be considered PDP members.
“They cannot return to infiltrate and destabilize our structures. We have records of their public defections,” Ikem stated.
According to him, the PDP in Cross River remains solid at the grassroots, with over 80 percent of ward and chapter executives standing firmly behind the current leadership.
“Our structure is intact and focused. We will not allow infiltrators or political opportunists to derail the unity we have built,” he assured.
Ikem urged the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to act swiftly and decisively by imposing disciplinary measures on members still associating with the ADC while pretending to be part of the PDP.
“The NEC must defend the party’s integrity. We cannot allow defectors pretending to be members to undermine our internal cohesion,” he said.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to discipline and democratic principles, Ikem emphasized that the Cross River PDP remains “disciplined, cohesive, and law-abiding,” and called on the national leadership to safeguard the will and efforts of loyal members.
“We are determined to defend the sanctity of our constitution and the integrity of our structures,” he concluded.
