The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has formally ratified Chief Francis Bullem as its substantive State Chairman following a leadership transition within the party’s state chapter.
In a major political realignment, the state chapter also pledged unalloyed loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, declaring him the party’s national leader and formally endorsing his Rainbow Coalition movement.
The decisions were finalised during an emergency State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the PDP State Secretariat along Highway Road in Calabar, Cross River State.
According to a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the session and signed by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Mike Ojisi, the executive body officially accepted the resignation of the former State Chairman, Mr. Venatius Ikem.
Following Ikem’s departure, the committee unanimously approved Bullem’s nomination and ratified his appointment in full accordance with Article 47, Sections 5 and 6 of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).
In addition to resolving its leadership hierarchy, the Cross River PDP SEC reaffirmed its alignment with Wike, endorsing the Rainbow Coalition platform to strengthen political cooperation and strategic positioning ahead of upcoming electoral engagements.
The party leadership also raised alarm over political safety, strongly condemning recent incidents of violence and harassment targeting opposition members during political activities across the state.
Ojisi emphasized the urgent need for a secure environment free from intimidation, calling on security agencies to safeguard members’ constitutional rights to engage in lawful democratic processes without fear of reprisal.
