Cross River PDP swears in Bullem, opens doors to APC for 2027
- Francis Bullem has been sworn in as Cross River PDP chairman after Venatius Ikem resigned on October 16.
- The party's governorship candidate, Arthur Jarvis, says its Rainbow Coalition will welcome APC defectors.
- Bullem has promised reconciliation and inclusiveness as the party rebuilds ahead of 2027.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has a new chairman. Chief Francis Abang Bullem was sworn in on Friday, taking over from Venatius Ikem, who stepped down on October 16.
Ikem gave internal divisions and a lack of clear direction as his reasons for leaving. The party's State Working Committee picked Bullem, who comes from the same zone as Ikem, and the State Executive Committee ratified the choice at a meeting in Calabar, according to a communiqué signed by publicity secretary Mike Ojisi. State secretary Joe Obi Bisong said the move followed Article 47 of the PDP constitution, which covers filling leadership vacancies.
An open door to APC members
At the swearing-in, the party's governorship candidate for 2027, Arthur Jarvis, said the PDP was ready to welcome politicians from other parties, especially the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He said a Rainbow Coalition would soon be launched to bring them together.
"That window of defection is open to everybody,"
Jarvis said, adding that a PDP government in 2027 would serve all residents of the state, not a select group.
He also raised concerns about political violence, alleging that young people were being paid to attack visitors to the state. He said Cross River, once known for its peace, had become a place where thuggery was thriving. He did not name anyone.
Earlier, the party's State Executive Committee had endorsed the Rainbow Coalition led by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and described him as its national leader. The committee also condemned what it called repeated attacks on PDP members and other opposition supporters during political activities, and asked for an environment free of intimidation.
What happens next
Bullem said he was taking over at a difficult time and promised to reconcile aggrieved members, including those who backed other candidates. He said he would lead with integrity and keep the party's doors open to everyone.
For now, the focus shifts to how quickly the PDP can settle its internal disputes and whether the promised coalition draws real defections from the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
