Barring any last minute change, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River has concluded arrangements to unveil Mr Martins Orim, former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Ben Ayade, as its new state chairman.
Orim’s emergence is expected to fill the leadership vacuum created by the resignation of the immediate past chairman, Barr. Venatius Ikem, who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sources within the party disclosed that the formal unveiling of Orim was expected before the end of the week.
A reliable party source said Orim, who hails from Obudu local government in the northern part of Cross River Senatorial District, is being promoted for the position by some powerful politicians from within and outside the state.
The source described his possible emergence as an attempt to reposition the party and provide leadership capable of rebuilding its structures following recent political developments.
The development comes amid efforts by the PDP to reorganise its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, following a series of political realignments in the state.
Ikem, who led the party for about five years, resigned on October 16, citing internal divisions, lack of clear direction and what he described as a crisis of leadership coherence. He subsequently defected to the APC at a reception in Obudu on October 24.
Orim’s political background is also considered significant in the unfolding development.
He served as Chief of Staff during Ayade’s administration and was a prominent figure in the former governor’s political circle.
In May 2022, he won the APC ticket for Cross River North Senatorial District, polling 254 votes at the party’s primary election.
However, his senatorial ambition was subsequently overtaken by political developments within the APC, as Ayade eventually became the party’s candidate for the district in the 2023 election.
The former Chief of Staff’s possible return to the political spotlight under the PDP is particularly noteworthy given his previous political differences with Ayade over the 2023 senatorial ticket.
Although details of the alleged disagreement and the circumstances surrounding his reported departure from Ayade’s political camp remain unclear, his possible emergence as PDP chairman could signal a fresh political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party had earlier indicated that its leadership transition would be handled in accordance with its constitution, with the State Executive Committee expected to deliberate on the vacancy created by Ikem’s resignation.
As of the time of filing this report, the PDP had yet to officially announce Orim’s emergence or confirm the reported unveiling.
