By Abasi Ita
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River has sworn in Dr Francis Abang Bullem as its new state chairman, following the resignation of his predecessor, Barr. Venatius Ikem.
The swearing in ceremony, held on Friday, formally ushered Bullem into office as the sixth state chairman of the party, with the responsibility of steering its affairs and rebuilding its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The state secretary of the party, Hon. Joe Obi Bisong, said Bullem’s emergence was in accordance with the provisions of the PDP constitution following Ikem’s resignation from both his party membership and position as state chairman on October 16.
Bisong explained that Article 47, Subsection 6 of the party’s constitution provides for the nomination and swearing in of a replacement whenever a vacancy occurs in the party’s leadership structure.
“We received his letter, and in line with Article 47, Subsection 6 of our constitution, which states that once a vacancy has been created in the committee of the party, the relevant organ should meet, nominate somebody for that position and swear the person into office,” he said.
He disclosed that the State Working Committee met, considered the vacancy and adopted a nominee from the same senatorial zone before presenting Bullem for the position.
Describing the new chairman as a committed party member, Bisong said Bullem joined the PDP in 1998 and had distinguished himself as a seasoned banker and former governorship aspirant who contested the party’s 2014 governorship primaries.
He also recalled Bullem’s contribution as Director General of the governorship campaign organisation of the party’s flag bearer.
In his acceptance speech, Bullem expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and called for unity, reconciliation and collective commitment among party members.
“With a heart full of gratitude and humility, I accept my nomination and swearing in as the sixth state chairman of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, Cross River State,” he said.
Acknowledging the difficult period confronting the party, Bullem said his emergence presented an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen internal cohesion and reposition the PDP for future electoral contests.
He pledged to provide purposeful leadership, uphold integrity, listen to members’ concerns and build partnerships across the party’s various organs.
The new chairman also appreciated party leaders and stakeholders, including the party’s presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, members of the Board of Trustees, governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, members of the State Working Committee and State Executive Committee, as well as candidates and other stakeholders for their support.
Emphasising the need for inclusiveness, Bullem declared: “We are one party and there is room for everyone. There is no victory, no vanquish. Together we must serve with purpose and honour the sacrifices that have sustained us as a party and as a people.”
Also speaking, the party’s governorship flag bearer, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, described the occasion as a significant moment in the PDP’s efforts to overcome its recent challenges.
He recalled the defections and internal difficulties that had tested the party’s unity but expressed optimism that it could overcome its challenges through purposeful leadership and collective determination.
Archibong paid tribute to Ikem for his years of service and urged party members to rally behind the new chairman, expressing confidence in his leadership capacity and experience in the private sector.
“To our new chairman, we believe in you 100 per cent. We trust in your abilities. You have been a combatant in the private sector. You are a party man, and we know that we can trust you. We know that our future has begun from today,” he said.
The governorship candidate further appealed to party members and Cross Riverians, irrespective of political affiliations, to join efforts towards rebuilding the state.
He announced plans to establish a Rainbow Coalition as part of efforts to broaden the party’s political base, adding that its doors remained open to those willing to return or join its fold.
Bullem’s assumption of office marks a formal transition in the leadership of the Cross River PDP, as the party seeks to consolidate its structures, promote internal cohesion and prepare for the 2027 general elections.