The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State is reportedly set to appoint Mr Martin Orim, a former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Ben Ayade, as its new state chairman following the resignation and defection of its former chairman, Mr Venatius Ikem.

 

Orim is expected to fill the leadership vacuum created by Ikem’s departure, with sources within the party indicating that his formal unveiling could take place before the end of the week.

 

A reliable party source disclosed that Orim, who hails from the northern part of Cross River Central Senatorial District, is being considered for the position with the backing of a prominent serving senator from the state.

 

According to the source, his possible emergence is part of efforts to reposition the PDP and rebuild its political structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Ikem’s Resignation And Defection To APC

 

The anticipated leadership change follows Ikem’s resignation on October 16 after leading the Cross River PDP for about five years.

 

In his resignation statement, Ikem cited internal divisions, lack of clear political direction and what he described as a crisis of leadership coherence within the party.

 

He subsequently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during a reception organised in his honour in Obudu on October 24.

 

His departure marked another significant political development in Cross River State, where political alignments have continued to shift ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

Orim’s Political Background Under Ayade

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Orim’s possible emergence as PDP chairman is particularly significant because of his political history with the former governor, Ben Ayade.

 

He served as Chief of Staff during Ayade’s administration and was regarded as an influential member of the former governor’s political circle.

 

In May 2022, Orim contested the APC primary election for the Cross River North Senatorial District ticket and emerged victorious with 254 votes.

 

However, his senatorial ambition was subsequently overtaken by developments within the APC, as Ayade eventually secured the party’s ticket for the district ahead of the 2023 general elections.

 

The development reportedly created political differences between the former governor and Orim, although details of their disagreement and the circumstances surrounding Orim’s reported departure from Ayade’s political camp remain unclear.

 

His possible return to the political spotlight under the PDP could therefore represent a fresh political alignment as parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections.

 

PDP Begins Leadership Reorganisation Ahead Of 2027

 

The Cross River PDP has been under pressure to reorganise its leadership and strengthen its structures following a series of defections and political realignments in the state.

 

The party had earlier indicated that the leadership transition would be handled in line with its constitution, with the State Executive Committee expected to deliberate on the vacancy created by Ikem’s resignation.

 

Orim’s anticipated emergence, if confirmed, would mark a new phase for the opposition party as it seeks to regain political relevance and consolidate its position ahead of the next general elections.

 

However, as of the time of filing this report, the PDP had yet to officially announce Orim as its new state chairman or confirm the reported unveiling.