Former Cross River PDP Chair Raises Doubts About Party’s 2027 Prospects

Venatius Ikem, a former chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, has expressed doubts about the party’s ability to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. Ikem, in an interview with Premium Times Nigeria, described the PDP’s structures as fragmented and its Wike-backed presidential candidate, Sandy Onor, as politically invisible. ‘The PDP in Cross River is a party that is still fighting for its identity,’ Ikem said. ‘The structures are not intact. We have to do a lot of work to be able to challenge the APC.’ The former PDP chairman’s comments come as the party seeks to regain power in Cross River and at the national level after losing both in the 2019 elections. The PDP has been embroiled in a power struggle in Cross River, with various factions vying for control of the party. According to Premium Times, Ikem’s comments are a reflection of the deep-seated discontent within the PDP in Cross River. It remains to be seen whether the party can overcome its internal challenges and mount a serious challenge to the APC in the 2027 elections.