Barrister Venatius Ikem has secured a second consecutive four-year term as the chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State.
His reelection, along with 38 other members of the State Executive Council, took place during the PDP’s 2025 State Congress on September 27, 2025. The event was hosted at the Venetian Arena, situated along Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Cross River State, Dr. Johnson Alalibo Sinikem, led the commission’s team in overseeing the congress. Other key security and regulatory agencies present included the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Honorable Jones Chukwudi, who chaired the Electoral Panel for the congress, emphasized the importance of statutory bodies in ensuring a credible election process. He stated, “Electoral guidelines mandate the presence of certain institutions for every election. INEC is foremost among them, and we are honored to have the Resident Electoral Commissioner here. Alongside INEC, the Police, NSCDC, DSS, and members of the press are present to oversee the proceedings and guarantee adherence to electoral standards.”
Following the voting, Barr. Venatius Ikem was officially declared the winner with a total of 1,541 votes, securing his position as State Chairman alongside the 38 newly elected members of the State Executive Council.
In his acceptance remarks, Barr. Ikem committed to revitalizing the party’s framework and enhancing its organizational strength in preparation for upcoming elections. “Drawing from our collective experience and the trust bestowed upon us today, we vow to elevate our performance. We intend to address the challenges that hindered our previous efforts and embark on a comprehensive rebuilding process to unify and strengthen our party,” he affirmed.
After the congress, Senator Professor Sandy Ojang Onor, a former PDP governorship candidate, praised the election’s transparency and fairness. “Today’s process incorporated all essential elements for a legitimate election. We witnessed a full delegation, a properly constituted panel endorsed by the National Working Committee (NWC), and the presence of all required statutory bodies, ensuring accountability and openness throughout,” he remarked.
Senator Onor also highlighted the party’s robust influence within the state, noting, “The turnout clearly demonstrates PDP’s enduring strength in Cross River. The outlook ahead is bright and filled with promise.”
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North Senatorial District, commended the congress for its strict compliance with electoral regulations. He encouraged the re-elected leadership to prioritize unity and reconciliation. “I am pleased that the congress adhered fully to the electoral guidelines. Moving forward, our success in 2027 hinges on the Executive Council’s commitment to fostering reconciliation and teamwork,” he stated.
In addition to Senators Sandy Onor and Jarigbe Agom, the congress was attended by prominent PDP figures such as former Deputy Governor Barrister Efiok Cobham, ex-governorship aspirant Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, House of Representatives member Barrister Godwin Offiono representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, former House member Honorable Eta Mbora of Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency, and former House aspirant Barrister Bassey O. Bassey, among others.
