By Kelvin Obambon
The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State took a dramatic turn on Saturday as Julius Udayi, a factional gubernatorial candidate, declared the collapse of the controversial “Rainbow Coalition”.
Addressing journalists at a press conference held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Calabar on Saturday, Udayi attributed the coalition’s rapid demise to the recent resignation of Barr. Venatius Ikem as the state’s factional party chairman.
Ikem, who was previously backed as a factional chairman aligned with a political camp loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, stepped down amid deep internal divisions.
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Reacting to the development, Udayi stated that his camp, operating under the Senator Tanimu Turaki-led caretaker committee, was unsurprised by the turn of events.
“The resignation of Mr. Ikem is not unconnected with the expected outcome of the awaited Court Judgment pending and loading to be delivered soon from the Nigerian Court of Appeal. We are gladdened because the ‘chaff will soon be separated from the weeds’ so we can focus and work towards winning the 2027 general elections in the state,” Udayi declared.
He maintained that all candidates nominated by the Turaki-led executive, including himself and Mr. Ebri Inah, remain the only authentic flag bearers of the PDP in Cross River State. He commended Ikem, an experienced legal practitioner, for “throwing in the towel,” describing the move as a sign of sportsmanship, repentance, and a growing weariness of being utilized by political paymasters.
“Mr. Vena Ikem himself as an experienced lawyer throwing in the towel at this time is itself an indication of the end of Wike’s political ploy in Cross River State. Indeed, we must salute and commend Mr. Ikem for the spirit of sportsmanship in him. This is nothing but a clear sign of repentance and hunger for righteousness,” he added.
Looking forward to the 2027 general elections, Udayi urged party faithful to remain calm, law-abiding, and steadfast as they await the imminent judgment from the Court of Appeal. He expressed strong optimism that judicial clarity would permanently put to rest the ambitions of rival factions.
“I can assure you all that these seeming challenges will bind us even more unified and stronger as a party when the judgement shall be delivered in days to come,” Udayi assured. “My vision remains to harness the vast human and natural resources of Cross River State to promote self-sufficiency, inclusive development, and a better future for our people.”
