The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has taken a fresh turn, with the governorship candidate of the Turaki-backed faction, Julius Udayi, describing the resignation of Venatius Ikem as a sign of the collapse of the rival group’s political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ikem resigned his membership of the PDP last week amid the lingering leadership crisis within the party at the national and state levels. His exit came as rival factions continued to battle for control of the party’s structure and the authority to nominate candidates for the 2027 elections.

Ikem had been identified with the Wike-backed faction in Cross River State, which is opposed by the camp loyal to Senator Tanimu Turaki, SAN. He was also described by Udayi’s faction as the chairman of the rival PDP group in the state.

Reacting to the development, Udayi said Ikem’s departure had exposed the fragility of the so-called Rainbow Coalition, which he accused of being part of the political strategy of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In a press briefing at the Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar, the governorship candidate said his faction was not surprised by Ikem’s resignation, insisting that the development was expected as the party awaited a judgment by the Court of Appeal over the lingering leadership dispute.

Udayi maintained that candidates nominated by the Turaki-led caretaker committee remained the authentic PDP flag bearers in Cross River State, despite competing claims by rival party groups.

He expressed confidence that the forthcoming appellate court judgment would vindicate his faction, adding that those who had questioned its legitimacy would have no reason to doubt its position once the ruling was delivered.

“Let us once again reiterate that I, Mr Julius Udayi and Mr Ebri Inah, and all other candidates nominated by the Turaki-led executive, are the authentic flag bearers of our great party in Cross River State,” he said.

Udayi described Ikem’s resignation as an indication that the rival political arrangement was losing ground, while commending the former factional chairman for what he called a spirit of sportsmanship.

He said the development signalled the possible end of the Rainbow Coalition in the state, expressing optimism that the court’s decision would resolve the leadership crisis and enable his faction’s candidates to concentrate on preparations for the 2027 elections.

The governorship candidate urged PDP members to remain calm, united and law-abiding, saying the current challenges would ultimately strengthen the party.

Udayi also restated his ambition to harness Cross River’s human and natural resources to promote self-sufficiency, inclusive development and improved living conditions for residents.