Cross River PDP Crisis: Rainbow Coalition Has Collapsed, Udayi Claims

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The factional governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Mr Julius Udayi, has claimed that the rainbow coalition in the state has collapsed following the resignation of its factional chairman, Venatius Ikem.

Udayi made the claim at a press briefing in Calabar, where he described Ikem’s resignation earlier in the week as a development that could affect the political arrangement being promoted by the rival faction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He alleged that Ikem had played a prominent role in the rival camp, which he accused of working to secure its preferred candidates for the forthcoming elections.

According to Udayi, Ikem’s resignation was connected to the anticipated judgment of the Court of Appeal on the lingering leadership crisis within the party.

“The resignation of Mr Ikem is not unconnected with the expected outcome of the awaited court judgment pending and loading to be delivered soon by the Nigerian Court of Appeal,” he said.

The factional governorship candidate expressed confidence that the appellate court’s decision would resolve the dispute over the authentic candidates of the PDP in Cross River State.

He maintained that candidates produced by the caretaker committee led by Turaki remained the legitimate candidates of the party for the 2027 elections, urging members to remain calm while awaiting the court’s pronouncement.

Udayi described Ikem’s resignation as a development that, in his view, reinforced his faction’s position that the rival political arrangement would not endure.

He also called on PDP members and supporters to remain committed to the party despite the prolonged internal crisis, expressing confidence that the party would overcome its divisions ahead of the elections.

Beyond the leadership dispute, Udayi said his political agenda was focused on harnessing Cross River State’s human and natural resources to promote self-sufficiency, inclusive development and economic growth.

He stressed the need for a development-oriented political approach that would create opportunities for residents and maximize the state’s economic potential.

The PDP has been embroiled in an internal leadership dispute in Cross River State, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s structure and the authority to nominate candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The disagreement has generated uncertainty over the party’s leadership and candidate-selection process as the legal battle over its authentic structure continues.

However, the claims made by Udayi regarding the collapse of the rainbow coalition and the implications of Ikem’s resignation remain his own assessment of the unfolding political situation.

The outcome of the pending Court of Appeal proceedings is expected to be significant in determining the resolution of the dispute over the party’s leadership and candidate nominations in the state.