The PDP Is Back Support Group has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State over what it described as an unnecessary celebration of the resignation of Vena Ikem as the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that the development does not translate into political victory for the ruling party.
In a statement titled “APC’s Celebration Exposes Its Political Insecurity: Vena Ikem’s Resignation Has Strengthened the PDP,” the group questioned why APC leaders and government officials would attach so much importance to the departure of a man they had reportedly dismissed as an ineffective and factional chairman.
The group expressed concern over the reported presence of the Deputy Governor, the Chief of Staff and other government appointees in Obudu to receive the former PDP chairman, arguing that the reception raised questions about the ruling party’s priorities.
According to the group, the APC’s reaction contradicts its previous position on Ikem’s leadership and political influence.
“If Vena Ikem was truly as inconsequential as the APC’s propaganda suggested, why should his resignation command such extraordinary attention?” the statement queried.
The group maintained that the resignation of a party chairman should not be mistaken for the collapse of the party, stressing that the PDP remains bigger than any individual, regardless of the position held.
It described Ikem’s resignation as a personal political decision rather than a development capable of determining the political future of the PDP or guaranteeing electoral victory for the APC.
The support group further argued that the development presents an opportunity for the opposition party to strengthen its internal structures, renew its leadership, reconcile differences and prepare for the 2027 general elections.
It said the strength of the PDP lies in its members, grassroots supporters and organisational structures, rather than in the continued occupation of a leadership position by one individual.
The group also warned against building political parties around individuals at the expense of strong institutions, insisting that leadership changes should not prevent a political party from pursuing its objectives.
Turning its attention to governance, the PDP Is Back Support Group challenged the APC-led government in Cross River State to focus on the welfare of residents rather than celebrate developments within the opposition.
It listed poor road infrastructure, unemployment, economic hardship, healthcare, education and the general welfare of citizens among the issues it said should receive greater attention from the government.
The group also questioned the condition of roads leading to Obudu, where the reported reception took place, arguing that the state’s infrastructure challenges deserve more attention than political celebrations.
On fuel prices and the rising cost of living, the group warned that economic hardship could influence voters’ decisions in 2027. It made a further prediction about fuel prices potentially reaching ₦3,000 per litre before the end of 2027 if the APC were returned to power, although it provided no evidence to establish that forecast.
The group called on the ruling party to concentrate on delivering tangible benefits to Cross Riverians during the remainder of its tenure rather than interpret the resignation of a PDP chairman as proof of its own political strength.
“The message is simple: APC may celebrate a resignation, but it cannot automatically translate that celebration into electoral victory,” the statement declared.
Reaffirming its position, the group concluded that the PDP remained capable of rebuilding and competing in the forthcoming elections, declaring: “PDP is back, not because one man has left, but because no one man is bigger than the party.”
The statement was issued by the PDP Is Back Support Group.
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