By Ekanem Asuquo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has ratified Chief Francis Bullem as its substantive State Chairman and reaffirmed its support for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, whom it recognises as the party’s national leader.
The decisions were reached at the party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held on Thursday at its state secretariat in Calabar.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr Mike Ojisi, the party also endorsed Wike’s Rainbow Coalition, indicating its alignment with the political platform championed by the former Rivers State governor.
The communiqué disclosed that the SEC formally acknowledged the resignation of the immediate past State Chairman, Mr Venatius Ikem, and approved Bullem’s nomination before ratifying him as his substantive successor.
According to the party, the appointment was effected in accordance with Article 47, Sections 5 and 6 of the PDP Constitution (2017), as amended.
Bullem’s emergence marks a new chapter in the leadership of the opposition party in Cross River following Ikem’s departure.
The SEC also raised concerns over what it described as persistent attacks on PDP members and supporters of other opposition parties during legitimate political engagements across the state.
It condemned the incidents and called for an environment in which political parties could freely exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation, harassment or violence.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the PDP Constitution and strengthening the party’s political activities in Cross River.
Ikem had resigned as PDP State Chairman on October 16, citing internal divisions, lack of clear political direction and leadership incoherence as reasons for his decision.
He subsequently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on October 22.
