The Cross River Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused some former members who defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of plotting to destabilise the PDP in the state.
The State Chairman of the PDP, Venatius Ikem, made this known while addressing journalists in Calabar on Monday.
According to him, “they are working secretly to destabilise the PDP in the state.”
Ikem alleged that the defectors, who now claim to be PDP stakeholders, were attempting to infiltrate the party and create confusion within its ranks.
He described their actions as a deliberate attempt to sabotage the unity and organisational strength of the PDP ahead of future elections.
“It is unfortunate and embarrassing to see conflicting statements coming from our national headquarters. Instead of sanctioning those who openly declared for the ADC, some people are rewarding them with caretaker committee appointments while casting doubts on the legitimacy of our peaceful and transparent state congress,” he said.
Ikem stressed that the recently concluded congress in Cross River was held in full compliance with the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended) and in accordance with the National Working Committee’s (NWC) guidelines.
He added that the newly elected state executive had already been inaugurated and commenced its duties.
Ikem noted that those challenging the outcome of the congress had forfeited their membership the moment they declared allegiance to another party.
“They cannot return to infiltrate and destabilise our structures. We have records of their public defections,” he said.
He maintained that the PDP’s grassroots base in Cross River remained strong, with over 80 per cent of ward and chapter executives loyal to the current leadership.
“Our structure is intact and focused. We will not allow infiltrators or political opportunists to derail the unity we have built,” he affirmed.
Ikem urged the National Executive Committee (NEC) to take decisive action by sanctioning identified ADC apologists within the party, warning that failure to act could embolden them to continue their divisive activities.
“The NEC must defend the party’s integrity. We cannot allow defectors pretending to be members to undermine our internal cohesion,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Cross River PDP to fairness, internal democracy, and respect for party principles, urging the national leadership to safeguard the collective will of members.
“The Cross River PDP remains disciplined, cohesive, and law-abiding. We are determined to defend the sanctity of our constitution and the integrity of our structures,” Ikem said.
(NAN)