The 18 local government area chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River have expressed their support for the re-election of Venatius Ikem as the state chairman of the party.

The chairpersons made their position known at a news conference after their meeting in Calabar on Wednesday.

Odidi Achom, the chairman of the chapter, noted that aside from the issue of competency, the re-election of Mr Ikem would ensure stability in the party in the state.

He said that Mr Ikem had also displayed an uncommon level of leadership and steered the party’s affairs in the state credibly, even as an opposition.

“We are aware of the various interests that have been shown by different blocs on the issue of chairmanship of the party in Cross River, but for us, we are in full support of Ikem’s continuity.

“Firstly, he is competent and has done very well since he assumed leadership of the party about four years ago, and we are in full support of him continuing with the job.

“Our meeting today is to put the house in order before the Sept. 27 congress. We consulted widely and arrived at the decision that he (Ikem) should continue. We have found him worthy and transparent, and also wish to ensure stability and unity in our party ahead of the 2027 general elections,’’ he said.

The secretary of the chairpersons, Obia Ikika, said that they have enjoyed a good working relationship with Mr Ikem and wish to continue in that stead.

“We understand that there is a contest, but we are not taking them for granted. All we are doing is to avoid rancour in the party. So, we aligned ourselves with the decision taken by the caucus leadership of the party as regards the continuity of the present State Working Committee led by Venatius Ikem,’’ he said.

The caucus of state leadership of the PDP had made the decision for the Ikem-led SWC to continue in office for another term.

However, some leadership in the southern and central senatorial districts of the state had, at different meetings, opposed the decision of the state leaders.

The congress to enthrone new leadership of the party at the state level had been scheduled for September 27.

(NAN)