A faction of the People’s Democratic Party ((PDP) in Cross River State has celebrated what it calls “the collapse of rainbow coalition” in the state.
The governorship candidate of the Turaki faction, Julius. Udayi who briefed Journalists at the Earnest Etim Bassey Press center on Saturday, said the resignation of former Chairman of the Wike’s faction, Barr. Venatius Ikem was “a sign that the coalition has collapsed in Cross River State.”
Udayi said Wike had kept Ikem as the principal mobilizer of the rainbow coalition in the state but praised the courage of Ikem to pull out of the Wike’s faction.
According to Udayi, the Tanimu Turaki’s faction remains “the authentic PDP,,” noting that he would be glad to welcome Venatius Ikem to his fold.
He pledged to run an inclusive government if elected, saying he has what it takes to succeed “”with the vast human and material resources available in the state.
In Udayi’s words: “Just recently you all heard that Mr. Venatius Ikem Esq. who was imposed by the Wike’s faction as a factional Chairman of the PDP in Cross River State, who previously had an assignment to project and deliver certain candidates of the rainbow Coalition in line with Governor Wike political theory, has resigned his membership of the party and in turn repented of this ill-fated assignment.
“We of the Turaki led executive candidates are not surprised at this positive development because we saw it coming when time is given a chance.
“The resignation of Mr Ikem is not unconnected with the expected outcome of the awaited Court Judgment pending and loading to be delivered soon from the Nigerian Court of Appeal.
“We are gladdened because the “chaff will soon be separated from the weeds” so we can focus and work towards winning the 2027 general elections in the state.
“Mr. Vena Ikem himself as an experienced lawyer throwing in the towel at this time is itself an indication of the end of Wike’s political ploy in Cross River State.
“Indeed, we must salute and commend Mr. Ikem for the spirit of sportsmanship in him. This is nothing but a clear sign of repentance and hunger for righteousness on Mr. Ikem’s part.
“We see that he is tired of being used by his paymasters and for this, we wish him well in his future career and further pursuits.
“As a gubernatorial candidate of the authentic PDP faction loyal to Senator Tanimu Turaki, SAN, I remain confident that the days ahead hold great promises for our party.
“I believe that, with unity, patience, and collective resolve, the “Egyptians” we see parading themselves as Candidates of our party today, will fade away with their rainbow coalition tendencies soonest.
“I can assure you all that these seeming challenges will bind us even more unified and stronger as a party when the judgement shall be delivered in days to come.
“Let’s remain prayerful as always and focus in our preparations towards the 2027 general elections in Cross River State.
“My vision remains to harness the vast human and natural resources of Cross River State to promote self-sufficiency, inclusive development, and a better future for our people.
“Together, we can build a stronger PDP and a prosperous Cross River State,” he said.
