Former Cross River State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Venatius Ikem, has urged politicians and residents of the state not to allow political differences to destroy relationships, following his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Ikem, a lawyer and former PDP chieftain, announced his return to the APC at a defection rally in Obudu Local Government Area, where he pledged to support Governor Bassey Otu’s administration and publicise its development projects across the state.

 

His defection comes weeks after he resigned from the PDP, citing internal divisions, a lack of clear direction and what he described as a lack of leadership coherence within the opposition party.

 

He had also expressed reservations about the PDP’s national leadership and questioned the rationale behind the Rainbow Coalition associated with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

 

Ikem Praises Otu’s Administration, Promises to Publicise Projects

Speaking at the rally, Ikem expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for the reception extended to him since his resignation from the PDP.

 

He described his experience within the governor’s political circle as a taste of the administration’s *“season of sweetness and accommodation,”* a phrase associated with Otu’s government.

 

The former PDP chairman also praised the governor’s People First agenda, promising to draw public attention to ongoing projects in Obudu, the northern senatorial district and other parts of Cross River State.

 

Ikem specifically mentioned the transformation of the Obudu Ranch Resort, the redevelopment of the airstrip at Bebi, the proposed Obudu airport project and the Obudu-Abakaliki road project.

 

According to him, his decision to promote the projects followed concerns that the administration’s activities had not received sufficient public attention.

 

“When I met with the governor, I was unhappy that we had not talked enough about the things he had done and the ones he is also doing,” he said.

 

He added that the governor was making efforts to transform key infrastructure in Obudu, questioning why the projects were not receiving more attention in public discussions.

 

“He is doing a lot to turn around Obudu Ranch, the airstrip and the Obudu-Abakaliki road. How come he is doing so much, and it is not being talked about?” Ikem asked.

 

He said he had taken it upon himself to communicate the administration’s interventions to the public, arguing that discussions about the government should also consider its ongoing projects and reported achievements.

 

‘Do Not Fight Your Brother Over Politics’

Beyond his decision to join the APC, Ikem called for political tolerance, urging residents to maintain peaceful relationships regardless of their party affiliations.

 

He maintained that political parties should not become a source of division among family members, friends and community leaders.

 

“APC and PDP and all other political parties are not bad parties. It is we, the people, who are bad. Do not fight your brother over politics,” he stated.

 

Ikem described his defection as an opportunity to reconnect with political associates with whom he had maintained longstanding relationships before partisan differences separated them.

 

He said APC leaders and members had given him a warm reception since his return to the state, describing the experience as one of reconciliation and renewed political cooperation.

 

The former PDP chairman also expressed optimism that his return to the APC would strengthen unity in Obudu and encourage collective efforts towards community development.

 

“I believe we are going to be stronger together, and Obudu will be better for all of us,” he said.

 

He urged political actors to retain their individual party affiliations without allowing those differences to prevent cooperation on issues affecting their communities.

 

Ikem thanked Governor Otu for welcoming him back into the APC fold, recalling that both men had previously worked together in the PDP before their political paths diverged.

 

He also commended the governor’s Chief of Staff, Dr Emmanuel Ironbar, and other APC leaders for facilitating his reintegration into the party.

 

APC Stakeholders React to Ikem’s Defection

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Ikem’s movement to the APC has generated reactions among political stakeholders in Cross River State, particularly over its possible implications for the PDP’s organisation in the northern senatorial district.

 

Some APC stakeholders have described the defection as a significant development for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, such assessments reflect their political views rather than an established outcome of the forthcoming elections.

 

An APC stakeholder from Ogoja, Ntufam Emmanuel Monjok, described Ikem as an influential figure within the PDP in the northern senatorial district.

 

Monjok argued that the former chairman’s departure had strengthened the APC’s position in the area. He also criticised the PDP’s handling of the circumstances surrounding Ikem’s resignation, saying the party’s internal disagreements had contributed to the development.

 

According to him, the PDP was facing serious organisational challenges ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

Another political stakeholder from Calabar South, Ekpenyong Ekpenyong, said Ikem’s realignment with APC members in his home area could encourage political reconciliation in the northern senatorial district.

 

He also argued that the development could help reduce tensions associated with partisan competition in the area.

 

The comments from the two stakeholders reflect optimism within sections of the APC, although the broader political implications of Ikem’s defection will depend on subsequent party activities and voter responses.

 

PDP Assures Members of Stability After Ikem’s Exit

Despite the defection, the PDP in Cross River State has urged members and supporters not to panic, insisting that the development would not derail the party’s activities or preparations for the 2027 general elections.

 

In a statement, the party’s State Secretary, Joe Bisong, said the PDP remained focused, united and committed to strengthening its structures across the state.

 

Bisong disclosed that the State Executive Committee (SEC) would meet soon to deliberate on Ikem’s resignation and determine the appropriate steps towards addressing the leadership situation.

 

He said the party would act in accordance with Article 46(6) of the PDP Constitution to manage the development and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

 

The state secretary also appealed to party members, stakeholders and supporters to remain calm while the party addressed the matter.

 

He urged them to uphold the PDP’s values of discipline, maturity, loyalty and trust, stressing the importance of unity during the transition.

 

Bisong reaffirmed the party’s commitment to its political mission and expressed confidence in its ability to overcome the challenges arising from the former chairman’s departure.

 

The PDP’s response signals its intention to maintain organisational stability despite losing a former state chairman who played a prominent role in the party’s activities.

 

Ikem’s Political Record and the Road to 2027

Ikem’s defection represents a notable shift in Cross River State politics as the APC and PDP continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

During his leadership of the PDP in the state, the party recorded electoral victories in the 2023 general elections, winning one Senate seat, two House of Representatives seats and three State House of Assembly seats, according to the figures provided in the account of his political record.

 

His departure therefore comes at a time when political parties are working to consolidate their support bases, strengthen internal structures and attract influential figures ahead of the next electoral cycle.

 

For the APC, Ikem’s return provides an opportunity to deepen its engagement with political associates in Obudu and other parts of the northern senatorial district. His pledge to publicise the Otu administration’s projects could also make him more visible in the government’s political communication efforts.

 

For the PDP, the immediate challenge will be to manage the leadership transition, retain its existing members and demonstrate that the departure of a former chairman will not disrupt its operations.

 

However, the reactions of individual stakeholders should not be mistaken for a definitive assessment of either party’s electoral prospects. The strength of the parties ahead of 2027 will depend on their organisation, candidates, campaign issues and the choices voters ultimately make.

 

For now, Ikem has made his political position clear, urging his former party not to turn political disagreements into personal hostility while pledging support for Otu’s development agenda.

 

His central message remains a call for political tolerance: party differences should not prevent people from maintaining relationships and working together for the development of their communities.