Tag: #PDP
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Just In: Former Cross River State APC Chairman, Alphonsus Ogar Eba Dumps APC, Returns To PDP
I HAVE HEARD YOU.
I HAVE LISTENED TO MY HEART.
I HAVE ANSWERED‘’Every generation must out of relative obscurity discover its mission, To fulfill or Betray ‘’- Frantz Fanon
In obedience to the will of our people and in total submission to my inner heart, guided by the direction of Almighty God, I have reflected and reexamined my mission on earth – a clear mission to fulfill destiny.
From the cradle , particularly , my days of INFANT ACTIVISM, through my days of YOUTH ACTIVISM coupled with STUDENT ACTIVISM into JUDICIAL ACTIVISM and to my present day POLITICAL ACTIVISM which is rooted in POLITICAL EVANGELISM , I have seen the hands of God in everything I do because my trust has always been in God and God alone.
My incursion into politics in 1991 in SDP during the 3rd Republic and in 1996 in UNCP in the aborted 4th Republic and in PDP in 1999 in the 4th Republic with a short detour to NDP in 2023, ANPP in 2011 , before my return to PDP in 2012 and later APC in 2021 , points to the incontrovertible fact that political parties are indispensable vehicles to drive the democratic process since the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not provide for Independent candidates
What has however remained fundamentally constant in my political life is the grace of God upon me which is loaded in the superabundant gifts of Hardwork, Humility, Honesty, Courage, Capacity, Competence , Confidence, Contentment, Gratitude and Intrepidity.
Armed with the above qualities, I have always viewed my political mission as nothing more than Service to God and humanity.
The great Philosopher, Socrates once said, ‘’An unexamined life is not worth living’’. I have therefore had to reflect on my last 10 years in public service , first as Director General of Due Process and Price Intelligence Bureau, Cross River State and later as Cross River State Chairman of APC . In both offices, reputedly, I left indelible marks in Governance and the party administration which has been highly acknowledged even by our worst critics.
I have also reflected on the goodwill I enjoyed from our people across party lines and the unprovoked ill treatment meted to me and several leaders / followers by a system we worked so hard to install.
But in all of these, our gratitude to God in Heaven , our political godfathers , godsons and all whose prayers, supports and kind wishes saw us through will never be forgotten.
It is on record that , we decided to let go the unwarranted and unprovoked treatment meted to us and even when i have maintained a stoic and dignified silence, our silence was interpreted as cowardice.
Even when we overlooked the illegal suspension and expulsion by my colleagues at the State Executive Committee of APC and the desperate dissolution of my leadership at the APC NEC on the 19th of December 2025 , which was just a decoy to remove me from office in flagrant disobedience of a subsisting Order of Court in my favour ; and despite keeping away from every APC activities and the attendant humiliation meted to me and my supporters from the ward to the state level ; even when I have since returned to my private legal practice in Abuja and quietly facing my farm work / other private businesses and having more time with my family, I cannot understand while a system I worked so hard in conjunction with other leaders to install have chosen the wicked path to perpetually silent my voice, completely make me irrelevant and have vowed to retire me from politics even at this young age of 50 when I still have a lot to offer my people, state and Nation.
The intimidation and attack against me and my people and other persons who are non aligned with the system, has given me serious concerns and cause to worry about our collective future under this present democratic experience in our dear State.
In the face of the unfolding quandary, I have looked up to God for direction, I have listened to the cries of my sincere supporters , whose loyalty especially in the last six (6) months of my political travails have been unwavering .
I have had an appraisal over the invitation from the leadership of 3 different opposition political parties requesting us to commune and strengthen opposition political parties in Cross River State with a view to providing alternative platforms or a unified platform that can assist in holding the system to conform to the tenets of democracy and good governance.
I have also listened to my inner heart and I have no option but to agree with the words of William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar where he stated , ‘’There is a tide in the affairs of men , which taken at the flood , leads on to fortune. Omitted , all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries; On such a full sea are we now afloat, And we must take the current when it serves ; or lose our ventures ‘’.
The bible in book of Psalms 37 : 23 says ‘’ ‘’The steps of the righteous are ordered by God’’
In John 10 : 13 , ‘’Greater Love a man has not than to lay down his life for his friend ; ‘’ his people and his state (emphasis mine).
While I can no longer maintain my dignified silence in the face of the continuous subjugation and infractions on our Freedom of Expression , Association and Private life , exacerbated by intimidation, oppression and repression of people who hold contrary views against the system; while it is also politically incorrect for me to maintain such silence in the face of public outcry over wanton gluttonous political chicanery and the jiggery pokkery , I decided to withdraw my membership of APC and requested for the delisting of my name from its hard copy and digital register on the 7th May 2026.
Although my refusal to utter a word or complained in the last 3 years of this system may not be understood by many but it is borne out of tolerance, maturity and loyalty to the system which was flagrantly abused by them but as we commence our new round Political Evangelism to rebuild our new party and the many souls, we hope to win , majority of our people will see how handsomely justifiable this decision is.
While not everyone is bound to agree with this decision because we majorly play establishments politics in Cross River State.
Early in life , I was trained to know that extraordinary issues must be treated extraordinarily. I humbly call on our faithful supporters to please align with our vision, join us in this mission, pray for us to succeed in this journey because we have chosen Peace of mind above Pains, Pride over shame, Joy over Agony and Progress over Retrogression for ourselves and the people of our dear communities and Cross River State in general.
For strategic political reasons, this decision was taken within a very limited consultative compass . I sincerely apologize to all my sincere leaders and followers whom we couldn’t reach before arriving at this decision.
As a believer, I know that this mission is for our good and the good of our people and at the appropriate time , majority of our people will align to promote a genuine consensus for the liberation of our people from the shackles and manacles of this pestilential and diabolical political practice .
The real Progressives across political party lines are coming together to redirect the present misdirection in the state .
The leadership crisis in PDP at the National level has since been resolved by the Supreme Court, the task ahead is to rebuild the party at the state level in all the 3281 poling units , 196 political wards and 18 LGA in Cross River State.
I have humbly agreed to be one of the beast of burden and prolocutor towards the effectuation of this noble task.
It is for tasks like this that I was born.
From dust I came, To dust I shall return.
From PDP I came , To PDP I have returned .
May God bless you all.
Pol. Evg. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq, JP.
Immediate past APC Chairman CRS. -
PDP Constitutes National Caretaker Committee as Tenure of NWC Ends on Tuesday
As the tenure of the present Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) ends on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party has constituted a National Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the party, pending the conduct of a national convention.
This decision was taken at the 104th NEC meeting of the party held in Abuja on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
The 13-member Caretaker Committee has Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary.
Other members of the Caretaker Committee are; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar M. Bature, Dr Kyari Grema, Hon Janguda Haruna Mohammed, Barr. Okechukwu Osuana, Senator Nwogu Olaka, Senator Sandy Onor, Prof Adenike Ogunse, Hon. Bisi Kolawole, Engr Deji Doherty, and Dr Ibrahim Bala Aboki.
The Caretaker Committee has been mandated to run the affairs of the party for a period of 60 days, during which all pending congresses should be conducted and a national convention should be held.
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Jarigbe’s Defection: All Chapter Executive Members Of PDP In Ogoja Chapter Resigns, Set To Join APC
The entire chapter structure of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogoja Local Government Area has submitted resignation letters, signaling their intent to defect to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in solidarity with Distinguished Sen Jarigbe Agom
In a letter, made available to TheLumineNews, and signed by the Chapter Chairman Hon. Emmanuel Odidi and all chapter executives.
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In The Present Circumstance, No serious Politician With Electoral Ambition Will Seek To Contest On To The Platform Of The PDP – Bukola Saraki
Former Governor of Kwara State, former Nigerian Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has stated that with the current crisis going on in the party, no serious politician with electoral ambition will seek to contest on the platform of the PDP.
Saraki made the disclosure on November 12th 2025, when members of the Board of Trustees led by Amb. Hassan Adamu, paid him a courtesy visit to seek his counsel on the way forward for the PDP.
Sarika took to his veried Facebook page, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, to report the outcome of the meeting, noted that going with the convention in Ibadan on 15 – 16 November 2025 will only serve to further fuel the crisis. He stated that going ahead with the convention is a waste of efforts, and that it does not have his support.
Find full text “On 12 November 2025, I had the pleasure to receive members of the BOT Reconciliation Team of our great party, the PDP, led by Wakili Adamawa, Amb. Hassan Adamu. They requested for a meeting in order to seek my opinion on the possible ways of restoring peace within the party. It was a meaningful and incisive meeting during which matters of great importance affecting our party were discussed.
“We deliberated extensively on issues relating to the National Convention scheduled for 15-16 November 2025 in Ibadan.
“In summary, I expressed deep regret that, despite the selfless and arduous efforts by some of us, the Convention has become mired in extensive controversy, both political and legal. This does not bode well for not only our party, but for Nigeria’s democracy in general.
“I made it clear to the BOT team that political matters can hardly be resolved through the courts. Affairs of political parties are best resolved amicably with all sides seated round the table. Legal battles will only continue to cause friction.
“As it stands, the fact is that there are conflicting court orders in relation to the validity of the scheduled convention. As a result, there is no assurance as to whether the conduct and outcome of the convention will stand.
“As a leader, on whose shoulder lies the political weight of the yearnings and aspiration of my people, I cannot in all good conscience take or be part of any action that will jeopardise their aspirations
“My advice to the BOT team is that the only solution available to us now is for the party to set up a Caretaker Committee to steer the affairs of the party for the time being. This must be done in the next two days. This is the path to true reconciliation and stability of the Party. It is also the best way to give confidence to our members who intend to contest elections on the PDP platform. In the present circumstance, no serious politician with electoral ambition will seek to contest on the platform of the PDP, not knowing whether his or her nomination will be valid or declared null and void.
“It is clear that going ahead with the National Convention in Ibadan on 15-16 November 2025 will only serve to further fuel the present crisis. Therefore, going ahead with the Convention as scheduled is a waste of efforts, It does not have my support. It’s not too late to find a win-win solution”.
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C’River PDP Constitutes 20-Member Committee For September Congress
Culled from Weekenders
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has intensified preparations for its September 27, 2025 State Congress with the unveiling of a 20-member committee to steer the exercise.
A statement signed by the State Chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, said the panel will oversee the planning and coordination of the congress to ensure it is credible, transparent, and rancour-free.
The committee is chaired by former University of Calabar Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Zana Akpagu, while Chief (Barr.) Helen Bocco serves as Secretary.
Other prominent members include Prof. Walter Mboto, Prof. Tom Ogar, Rt. Hon. Fred Osim, Barr. Mike Aniah, Barr. Francis Anom, Barr. Victor Edim, and Barr. Paul Ebiala.
Also named are Dr. Ivon Ettah, Hon. Ina Ibor, Hon. Ayuk Ntui, alongside several respected party leaders representing the state’s 18 Local Government Areas.
Ikem described the team as “a reputable mix of experience and competence,” noting that its composition underscores the PDP’s commitment to inclusivity and internal democracy. He expressed confidence that the committee would deliver a seamless congress capable of repositioning the party for greater political relevance in the state.
The congress is expected to attract massive participation from party faithful, as stakeholders gear up for a landmark event that will define the PDP’s leadership and strategic direction in Cross River State.
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C’River Central PDP Stakeholders Backs State Leadership, Frowns At The National Women Leader
By Ndifon Joseph – Calabar
Stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State Central Senatorial District, have thrown their weight behind the position of the state leadership on elective positions, reaffirming their collective commitment to present a united front that will guarantee victory for the party.
The endorsement formed part of a five-point communique reached during a well-attended meeting held at Planet Guest House, Calabar, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
In a communique signed by the National Ex-Officio, Arc. Ekom Akonjom, chapter chairmen, and leaders, they condemned the activities of “some former members who have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but through the deliberate machinations of the National Women Leader, Ms. Amina Arong, has acquired nomination forms to contest positions in the forthcoming State Congress” with the intentions of moving the party structure to the ADC.
They also “resolved to stand firmly by the position of the state leadership; which maintains that all elective positions in the senatorial district and local government areas should remain in their current domiciled locations.”
Further, they “endorsed the zoning arrangements as earlier agreed, reiterated unflinching loyalty to the party and it’s leadership at the state and national level, and pledged to work assiduously to strengthen the party and ensure successes in all future elections.”
The timely meeting was presided over by Chief Joe Obi Bisong, and in attendance were chapter chairmen and prominent leaders including, Mr. Fidelis Ekpah, South-South Zonal Ex-Officio, Prince Mike Ojisi, State Publicity Secretary, Barr. Ikpi Eyong Ubana, State Legal Adviser.
Others include, Chief Mark Obi; Hon. Fred Okpa Osim; Hon. Friday Okpeche; Hon. Itam Abang; Hon. Moses Onoh; Mrs Ada Izani; Mr. Ayuk Ntui Tandu; Prof. Walter Mboto; Hon. Inah Ubi; Mrs Margaret Onen Ph.D, amongst others.
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PDP Cross River Northern Senatorial Holds Reconciliatory Meeting
It was a moment of ease for members of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, as leaders of the party in Northern Senatorial District, converged at the residence of Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, today Thursday 6th March 2025, to chat a way forward for the party.
The meeting which was conveyed by the leader of the party in the state, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, to reconcile all arrived members of the party that led to the suspension of the state party chairman, Mr Venatius Ikem.
The leader of the party, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, acknowledged the fact that the suspension of the party chairman had some leaders played pivotal role, was however reversed by the National Working Committee of the party. A decision which has been accepted by the executive committee members of the party from northern senatorial district. He enjoined party leaders to embrace peace and charged them to put the collective interest of the party above personal interest.
He averred that no meaningful development can be achieved when the party is divided, called on stakeholders to bury whatever grievances that may have culminated into the disagreement that had ensued that led to the suspension of the state chairman.
He used the opportunity to thank party faithfuls for the continuous support and charged them to be more united now than ever.
The members representing Ogoja/Yala and Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituencies, Hon Godwin Offiono and Hon Peter Akpanke took turns to encourage party members to embrace peace as all the leaders have seen the need to summon them for the reconciliatory meeting.
Akpanke used the opportunity to demiss insinuation of his defection to the All Progressive Party.
He admonished party faithfuls to remain resolute in their support for the party as there nothing happening in the APC in the northern senatorial district of the state.
Leaders from the five local government areas took turn to commend the party leadership in its wisdom to return the state party chairman and pledged their support for the betterment of the party.
On his part, the state party chairman, Mr Venatius Ikem, thanked Sen Jarigbe Agom, for making it possible to convey the crowd for the all important meeting the reconciliation.
He used the opportunity to apologized for whatever ills he may have done in the course of administering the party and pledged to be more committed to the party as he forged ahead.
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Cross River PDP Frowns at the Cross River Local Government Amendment Bill 2025
Press Release
Cross River PDP Frowns at the Cross River Local Government Amendment Bill 2025
The Cross River State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed utter displeasure and dis-affection with the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA) for the hasty passage of the Local Government Amendment Bill 2025. The party condemns this legislative ambush, describing it as a direct contradiction of the Supreme Court’s judgment on Local Government Autonomy and an orchestrated scheme to arm-twist, emasculate, and misappropriate local government resources.
Despite widespread public condemnation, the House proceeded with the bill, defending her actions by wrongly relying on Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which merely empowers states to enact laws for local government administration, but not to undermine their autonomy or divert their funds.
The PDP identifies several draconian and exploitative provisions within the bill, which place an unbearable financial burden on the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cross River State. These include:
Expansion of statutory political appointees under each Local Government Chairman from 25 to 50 persons, thereby increasing the financial strain on already underfunded councils.
– Unauthorized monthly deduction of 1% for House of Assembly “oversight functions.”
– 0.5% deduction for the State Community and Social Development Agency
– 1% deduction for funding the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), despite the state government’s primary responsibility for higher education funding
– 0.5% deduction for the Office of the State Auditor General, ₦1 million mandatory monthly contribution from each LGA to the Cross River State Reserve Fund
– 4% deduction for the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency, a responsibility that should be handled by the state government, not the local councils.
The People’s Democratic Party sees this law as an evil plot by the Otu-led APC administration to plunder resources meant for grassroots development. The party categorically states that:
The financial autonomy of LGAs is sacrosanct and must not be subjected to the manipulative whims of the state government.
The hasty passage and signing of this law reveal a desperate attempt to siphon local government funds for political patronage ahead of the 2025 local government elections.
The people of Cross River State must resist this oppressive, anti-development, and unconstitutional law through all legal and democratic means.
The PDP, therefore, alerts the good people of Cross River State and the entire nation to this daylight robbery of local government funds under the guise of legislative amendments.
The party remains committed to protecting democracy, defending local government autonomy, and ensuring that public resources are used for grassroots development rather than political enrichment.
Signed:
Prince Mike Ojisi
Publicity Secretary -
Former Gov Ben Ayade Special Adviser, Boniface Ishamali Defects To PDP With Supporters In Obudu
There is excitement in the camp of the Obudu Local Government Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, as the party receives key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) back to the fold.
Among the prominent APC stakeholders who returned is the former Senior Special Adviser Petroleum, and Chairman Downstream, Hon. Boniface Ishamali.
Speaking on behalf of other defectors, Hon. Ishamali said their decision to return to the PDP was informed by the need to belong to a party that remains the number one choice of Cross River North Senatorial District since the return of democratic rule in 1999.
He appreciated the PDP for the great achievement recorded in the Senatorial District under the leadership of Distinguished Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and for always putting the people’s interest above other considerations as well, for receiving them back into the party with open arms.
“PDP has been my party. I was in APC briefly for sabbatical and I realized the APC has nothing to offer crossiverians and Nigeria as a party which is why I have returned to work tirelessly for the betterment of our people with the support of our leaders in the North”, Boniface added.
He specifically commended Senator Jarigbe’s leadership style and expressed the optimism that, the exceptional way he has led the party would translate into more resounding electoral victories in subsequent elections in the Senatorial District and State at large.
The Cross River State PDP is set to receive more defections in the coming weeks.
