By Abasi Ita
Calabar
The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to take firm action against African Democratic Congress (ADC) sympathizers within its ranks, accusing them of sponsoring confusion and working to destabilize the party.
Speaking in Calabar, the State Chairman, Venatius Ikem, Esq., described the activities of the defectors as “deliberate sabotage” aimed at weakening the PDP from within. He said the state congress was peacefully conducted in line with the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended) and guidelines of the National Working Committee (NWC).
“It’s embarrassing to see conflicting information purportedly coming from our headquarters. Instead of sanctioning those who publicly declared for ADC, some people are busy questioning the integrity of our congress and announcing defectors as caretaker members over an existing executive,” Ikem said.
He noted that the newly elected executive had been duly inaugurated and had commenced work, warning that any attempt to undermine its authority would be resisted.
Ikem maintained that those raising objections were no longer PDP members, having openly pledged allegiance to another political party.
“We have records showing that these individuals have long identified with ADC and are now trying to infiltrate the PDP to cause confusion,” he stated.
The chairman stressed that the PDP in Cross River remains strong and united, with over 80 percent of its structures intact and loyal to the state leadership.
“Our base is solid. We will not allow any infiltrator or hired agent of rival parties to derail our progress. Such elements must be shown the way out,” he declared.
Ikem reaffirmed the chapter’s loyalty to the NEC and called on the national leadership to ensure fairness and respect for the will of members.
“The Cross River PDP remains united, disciplined, and law-abiding. We will defend the sanctity of our constitution and the integrity of our structures,” he concluded.