By Frank Ulom
The factional Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate, Julius Udayi, has declared himself and his compatriots as the authentic candidates in Cross River State.
Udayi who also declared the Rainbow Coalition formed by FCT Minister and former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, dead, stated this on Saturday while briefing journalists at the NUJ Press Centre in Calabar.
He attributed the coalition’s rapid demise to the recent resignation of Barr. Venatius Ikem as the state’s factional party chairman.
Recalled that Ikem, previously backed as a factional chairman with alignment with Wike camp, resigned a few days ago, amid internal crisis.
Reacting to Ikem’s resignation, Udayi stated that his camp, operating under the Senator Tanimu Turaki-led caretaker committee, was unsurprised by the turn of events.
“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,” Udayi declared.
He maintained that all candidates nominated by the Turaki-led executive, including himself and Mr Ebri Inah, remain the only authentic flag bearers of the PDP in Cross River State. He commended Ikem, an experienced legal practitioner, for “throwing in the towel,” describing the move as a sign of sportsmanship, repentance, and a growing weariness of being utilized by political paymasters.
“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,” he added.
Udayi urged party faithful to remain calm, law-abiding, and steadfast as they await the imminent judgment from the Court of Appeal. He expressed strong optimism that judicial clarity would permanently put to rest the ambitions of rival factions.
“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,” Udayi assured, stressing that, “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.”
