The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has re-elected its chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, alongside 38 other members of the State Executive Committee (SEC).
The congress, which held on September 27, 2025, at the Venetian Arena along Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar, was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other statutory agencies.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikem, led the team of observers.
The exercise was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and members of the press.
Chairman of the Electoral Panel, Hon. Jones Chukwudi, commended the process, saying it followed all necessary guidelines.
“For every election, according to the electoral guidelines, there are statutory institutions that must be present. INEC is here, the REC is here, and so are the Police, NSCDC, DSS, and members of the press to ensure transparency,” he said before declaring Ikem and the new executives duly elected.
In his acceptance speech, Ikem promised to rebuild the party and strengthen its structures ahead of future elections.
“With all the experiences we have gathered and the humility conferred on us today, we pledge to do much better. Moving forward, we are going to challenge some of the issues that affected us in the past and begin the process of rebuilding in order to put our house together,” he stated.
Prominent PDP leaders who attended the congress praised the process. Former governorship candidate, Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor, described it as transparent, saying, “All the necessary ingredients for the conduct of elections were present. We had a proper panel, statutory institutions in compliance with the guidelines, and everything was done with accountability.”
Similarly, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North said the congress adhered strictly to the rules.
“The way forward is for us to work together in order to achieve success in 2027. This would be easier as soon as the Exco initiates proper reconciliation processes and works as a team,” he added.
Other party stakeholders, including former Deputy Governor, Barr. Efiok Cobham, Hon. Eta Mbora, Barr. Godwin Offiono, and Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, were also present at the event