Former Cross River State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Venatius Ikem, has questioned the political position of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

 

Ikem made the remark in a post on his official Facebook account, writing: “The logic of working for the APC but not joining the APC is lost on me.”

Wike

Although he did not mention Wike by name, the comment appears to reference the FCT minister’s decision to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition while remaining associated with the PDP.

 

Wike has maintained his support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, despite the president being the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

The minister was recently appointed Director of the Tinubu-Shettima re-election campaign, with responsibility for coordinating campaign activities in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State.

 

Wike’s political alignment with Tinubu has continued to draw attention to his relationship with the PDP, which remains one of the country’s major opposition parties.

 

Ikem Resigns as Cross River PDP Chairman

Ikem’s comment comes shortly after his resignation as chairman of the PDP in Cross River State, a position he held for five years.

 

In his resignation letter addressed to the party’s National Secretary at its Wadata House secretariat in Abuja, the lawyer cited a “crisis of direction and leadership coherence” within the party.

 

He said internal disagreements and divergent political positions had made it increasingly difficult for him to discharge his responsibilities as state chairman.

 

“As we enter a critical electoral season, I have found it increasingly difficult to reconcile my responsibilities as State Chairman with the prevailing internal dynamics and divergent positions that continue to weaken the party’s ability to pursue a clear and united course,” Ikem stated.

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He warned that the divisions had weakened the party’s effectiveness and could undermine the sacrifices and aspirations of loyal members if left unresolved.

 

The former chairman did not identify the individuals or factions responsible for the disagreements. He also did not disclose his next political move, although he suggested that he was considering a new direction.

 

Describing his resignation as a difficult decision reached after deep reflection, Ikem said a clearer vision and a new pathway had become necessary for himself and those who had entrusted him with their confidence.

 

Ikem Acknowledges Wike in Resignation Letter

Despite his concerns about the PDP’s internal challenges, Ikem acknowledged several political figures who supported him during his years in the party.

 

He specifically thanked Senator Sandy Onor and Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe for their encouragement and support during difficult moments in his political journey.

 

Ikem also recognised Wike’s contributions to the PDP, describing the minister’s role in the party’s collective efforts as “indelible and worthy of recognition.”

 

He expressed gratitude to party leaders, members and supporters across Cross River State, particularly the people of Obudu, his immediate constituency.

 

The former chairman reaffirmed his commitment to the progress, stability and development of Cross River State and Nigeria, while wishing the PDP success in its future endeavours.

 

His resignation comes as political alignments and internal disagreements continue to shape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

It remains unclear whether Ikem’s latest Facebook post signals a broader political realignment or is simply a criticism of the position of politicians who support an APC presidential candidate while maintaining ties with the PDP.