By Kelvin Obambon
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has established a new executive committee following its 2025 State Congress held on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Barr. Venatius Ikem was reelected as the State Chairman for a second term, extending to 2029.
The Congress took place at the Venetian Arena in Calabar, where 1,541 delegates from all 18 local government areas participated. A total of 39 candidates contested for various positions in the party’s state executive, with Ikem securing 1,501 votes to retain his leadership role.
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The electoral process was supervised by a seven-member panel led by Rt. Hon. Jones Chukwudi Onyerem. Upon conclusion, Onyerem declared the elected officials, led by Ikem, as duly returned.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Johnson Alalibo, was also present to observe the proceedings.
Notable election results include: Deputy Chairman: Polycarp Effiom; Vice Chairmen: Austin Edibe (North), Ekawo Irek (Central), Stephen Asuquo (South); Secretary: Joseph Obi Bissong; Treasurer: Njar Ekwe; Women Leader: Florence Inyang; Youth Leader: Boniface Odey.
Senator Jarigbe Agom, leader of the PDP in Cross River and Senator for the Northern Senatorial District, praised the Congress, describing it as calm, organized, and compliant with the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) directives.
Senator Sandy Onor, the 2023 governorship candidate, also expressed satisfaction with the transparency and inclusiveness of the process, emphasizing a strong future for the party in the state.
On his part, Barr. Venatius Ikem acknowledged the election as a mandate from party members and expressed his commitment to addressing past shortcomings for improved performance.
Several dignitaries, including former Deputy Governor Barr. Effiok Cobham and other key political figures, attended the Congress. The newly constituted executive is expected to lead the PDP’s agenda in Cross River until 2029.
