By Abasi Ita
The Grassroots Democratic Alliance (GDA) has launched a scathing attack on the Southern Senatorial District Caucus of the PDP, accusing its leaders of betrayal and colluding with opposition forces to undermine party cohesion.
The group also accused the caucus of deliberately instigating rancour among members and warned that such actions threaten the very future of the PDP in Cross River State.
In a fiery statement, GDA Chairman Effiom Bassey and Secretary Ntui Agbor dismissed the caucus’s rejection of Barrister Venatius Ikem. They described it as the work of “desperate politicians who sold their birthrights for a plate of porridge in the last elections.”
The GDA stressed that Ikem’s tenure extension followed proper party procedures. His proven track record in public service sharply contrasts with the glaring lack of credibility among his critics.
Barrister Tim Ekawu, promoted by the caucus, was branded an “ADC-sponsored impostor” and a destabilizer. Ekawu, according to GDA, defied directives from the State Working Committee and engaged in anti-party activities.
“Since 1999, Ekawu has contested and lost every election. He has no support in Bekwarra, no pedigree, and no political sense. He cannot lead even a ward, let alone the PDP,” the statement said.
The GDA accused his backers of masquerading as PDP members while secretly working with the ruling government through ADC platforms. They urged these so-called ADC apologists to resign immediately and pursue their political trade elsewhere.
The statement also described the caucus as “decimated.” It highlighted the absence of key leaders, including former Deputy Governor Efiok Cobham, former National Assembly members Hon. Essien Ayi and Hon. Etta Mbora, and all six local government PDP chairmen. The group called the meeting “a gathering of a drowning cartel surviving on political horse trading whose time has expired.”
GDA concluded by insisting that the PDP’s future cannot be entrusted to those who betrayed the party and abandoned their duty to strengthen it as a credible opposition.