The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Cross River State was rocked by protests on Wednesday as supporters of the embattled state chairman, Venatius Ikem, expressed their displeasure over his controversial removal. Tensions have been running high since November 15, 2024, when the State Working Committee (SWC) announced Ikem’s suspension, citing allegations of misconduct, mismanagement of party funds, and highhandedness.
Background of the Controversy
Ikem’s removal was formalised in a letter signed by 14 members of the SWC and endorsed by the party’s chairmen across the 18 local government areas of the state. The SWC accused Ikem of failing to uphold his duties as outlined in the PDP constitution, including neglecting meetings, engaging in alleged anti-party activities, and mismanaging party finances. They claimed his actions had brought the party into “disrepute, hatred, and contempt.”
In response, Ikem rejected the allegations and described his removal as politically motivated. Addressing journalists shortly after the announcement, he stated that he had been running one of the most efficient executive committees in recent years and dismissed the accusations as baseless. He also hinted at pursuing legal action to challenge what he called an “illegal” decision.
National Working Committee’s Intervention
Amid growing tensions, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) intervened on November 20, declaring Ikem’s suspension null and void. In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the NWC emphasised that no state-level organ has the authority to suspend a state chairman without consulting the national body.
“The NWC states that Barr. Venatius Ikem remains the chairman of the Cross River State chapter of the PDP,” Ologunagba said. He urged all party members in Cross River to disregard the suspension and work together to maintain unity within the party.
Protest at PDP Secretariat
Despite the NWC’s directive reinstating Ikem as chairman, protests erupted outside the PDP secretariat in Calabar on Wednesday. Supporters of Ikem demanded that his leadership be respected and accused certain SWC members of attempting to destabilise the party for personal gain. Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Respect Party Constitution” and “Ikem is Our Leader.”
One protester told reporters, “This is not about Venatius Ikem alone; it is about protecting our party from internal sabotage. We cannot allow a few individuals to hijack our structure for selfish reasons.”
The protest disrupted activities at the secretariat for several hours before security personnel restored order.
Implications for Cross River PDP
The crisis within Cross River PDP highlights deeper divisions within the party as it struggles to rebuild its influence in a state it once dominated. Following its loss of power in Cross River during recent elections, internal conflicts have further weakened its capacity to present a united front ahead of future polls.
Observers fear that if unresolved, this crisis could damage the party’s chances in upcoming elections and alienate key stakeholders.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
