APC Appointees Privately Backing PDP, Ikem Alleges

 The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River State, Venatius Ikem, has alleged that several members of the ruling All Progressives Congress are making moves to return to the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ikem made the remarks in Calabar during the PDP governorship primary election, where businessman and politician Arthur Jarvis emerged as the party’s candidate for governor.

Addressing party delegates and supporters on Sunday, the PDP chairman claimed that many APC members in the state had become dissatisfied with the current administration and were quietly reaching out to the opposition.

“On a daily basis, I receive calls from APC members saying they want to return to their original party,” Ikem stated.

He also alleged that some appointees serving in the APC-led government were secretly sympathetic to the PDP despite retaining their positions in government.

“Just before I left the hotel, one of the appointees encouraged me to remain resolute and assured me of his support,” he said.

Ikem expressed optimism that the PDP would regain control of Cross River State in 2027, maintaining that many residents were unhappy with the performance of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration.

He criticised the government for what he described as a lack of tangible development projects across the state.

“After four years in office, the most visible achievements are pothole repairs in Calabar and the renovation of the library along the highway. Beyond that, I cannot point to any major accomplishment,” he alleged.

The PDP chairman called on party members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the next election cycle.

“From this moment, every party member must see themselves as part of the campaign team. The people of the state are looking to us for change,” he added.

In his remarks, Jarvis described the situation in the state as unfortunate, accusing the present administration of failing to prioritise the welfare of citizens.

He pledged to deliver inclusive and people-focused governance if elected governor of the state.