Venatius Ikem, former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Nigeria, has expressed doubts about the party's capacity to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. Ikem cited the party's fragmented and directionless political structures as a major obstacle. In an interview with ARISE News, he explained that prominent party figures are pursuing separate political interests rather than building a united opposition. This has weakened the party's ability to mount a strong challenge against the incumbent government.
Ikem's comments come as no surprise, given his recent defection to the APC. He attributed his decision to defect to the APC's political direction and his assessment of the incumbent administration. Ikem had previously resigned as Cross River PDP chairman on 19 October, citing internal divisions, lack of leadership coherence, and inability to pursue a united political direction. His resignation and subsequent defection have been seen as significant blows to the PDP, particularly in Cross River State.
According to Ikem, the PDP lacks the organisational cohesion and national leadership required to win elections, particularly against an incumbent government. He pointed out that prominent party figures, including former governors and senators, are scattered across different political camps, making it difficult to build a formidable opposition. Ikem described the party's situation as "completely dissipated in multiple directions," making it challenging to achieve electoral success.
Ikem also questioned the visibility of the PDP's Presidential Candidate, Sandy Onor, within the party. He argued that Onor's lack of sustained political activities has further weakened the party's mobilisation efforts in Cross River State. Ikem expressed concerns about the party's ability to win elections without a clear strategy and visible leadership. He noted that Onor's absence from the political scene has made it difficult for the party to galvanize support.
The PDP is currently facing a prolonged national leadership crisis, marked by factional disputes, defections by prominent politicians, and uncertainty over its capacity to mount a strong challenge in the 2027 elections. Ikem's criticism adds to the growing concerns about the party's electoral prospects. His comments have sparked a renewed debate about the party's leadership and its ability to present a united front against the APC.
Ikem's experience in politics has made it difficult for him to remain in an organisation without a clear strategy for electoral success. He stated that the PDP, in its present condition, appears to be going through political motions without a realistic prospect of winning the next elections. Ikem's decision to defect to the APC reflects his assessment of the party's chances and his desire to be part of a more cohesive and directionally clear political movement.
The PDP's internal leadership battles, mass defections, and institutional challenges have been extensively reported. Ikem's defection and criticism have added to the party's woes, raising questions about its ability to recover and present a strong challenge in the 2027 elections. The party's leadership will need to address these concerns and develop a clear strategy to restore its electoral prospects.
Key points
- Venatius Ikem doubts PDP's 2027 chances due to party's fragmented structures.
- Ikem cites lack of organisational cohesion and national leadership as major obstacles.
- PDP faces prolonged national leadership crisis amid factional disputes and defections.
