By Abasi Ita
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Cross River State has inaugurated a strategy committee as part of efforts to strengthen its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The committee, inaugurated on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the party’s State Secretariat in Calabar, has State Chairman, Hon. Venatius Ikem, as its chairman.
The inauguration took place during a strategic meeting attended by members of the State Working Committee, Board of Trustees and other key stakeholders, where the party reviewed its plans for the 2027 elections.
According to the PDP, the committee is expected to advise the party and develop strategies for its campaigns and electoral activities across the state.
Among the members are former Deputy Governor, Efiok Cobham, Senator Prof. Sandy Onor, Rt. Hon. Itam Abang, Prof. Zana Akpagu, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, Hon. Florence Inyang and other party leaders.
Speaking at the meeting, Ikem said the committee would provide guidance as the party moves towards the governorship election.
He said, “The committee will advise and guide the party as it moves ahead to the gubernatorial elections.”
Ikem also urged members and supporters to build on the momentum within the party and align their programmes and activities with its objectives.
”Our last line of defence is the party and you should always harmonise your programmes and activities with the party,” he said.
The party said the committee would work towards the success of all its candidates, including its governorship candidate, Sir Dr. Arthur Jarvis Archibong.
In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, the PDP congratulated the committee members and charged them to deploy their experience, loyalty and commitment towards achieving the party’s objectives in the 2027 elections.
The committee comprises party leaders drawn from the 18 local government areas, alongside other prominent members of the party.
The members include Hon. Venatius Ikem, Efiok Cobham, Ntufam Donatus Etim, Hon. Joe ObiBisong, Barr. Chuks Agube, Rev. Tony Effiong, Chief Kingsley Ndem, Engr. Edwin Bassey, Chief Ogban Ebock, Rt. Hon. Itam Abang, Prof. Walter Mboto, Dr. Francis Bullem, Hon. Inah Ibor, Prof. Pauline Ekuri, Hon. Jones Tangban, Dr. Raphael Oko, Prof. Unimna, Prof. Dave Imbua and Awusha Godwin Eneji.
Others are Dr. Larry Oyo Ekpenyong, Dr. Otop Oqua Otop, Elder Essien Ukorebe, Senator Prof. Sandy Onor, Dr. Jarvis Archibong, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, Mr. John Ifere, Hon. Florence Inyang, Prof. Zana Akpagu, Barr. Bassey O. Bassey, Hon. Akiba Bassey, Dr. Alex Egbona, Hon. Fidel Egoro, Rt. Hon. Friday Gabriel Okpechi, Pius Besong Abang and Mrs. Peace Eyo.