The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has deepened its split with Nyesom Wike’s faction by presenting its own candidate ahead of the September 27 congress.
On Thursday, the caucus of the central senatorial district unveiled Tim Ekawu as its consensus choice for state chairman, a day after the southern caucus also declared support for him. Both moves openly defy the state caucus loyal to the former Rivers governor, who is now widely seen by members as aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At a meeting of central district stakeholders, party leaders said Wike could no longer dictate the affairs of the PDP in Cross River, accusing some members of playing “transactional politics” that had weakened the party.
In a communiqué signed by Anthony Edako, the PDP’s state secretary, the caucus pledged to work for unity within the party and to focus on reclaiming both the state and the presidency in 2027. The statement also expressed support for the party’s national leadership, the national woman leader, Mrs. Amina Darasimi, and reaffirmed Edako’s candidacy as state secretary in the coming congresses.
“The meeting, without equivocation, pledges its unalloyed support for the candidature of Tim Ekawu for the position of state chairman,” the communiqué read. “The PDP, after four years, needs the calm and level-headed leadership that Ekawu brings to the table.”
