“Wike Is an Outsider”: Cross River PDP Faction Rejects FCT Minister’s Influence, Says He’s No Longer a Member

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has escalated, with a faction of the party declaring that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is no longer recognized as a member and cannot interfere in the state’s affairs.

Bassey Eko Ewa, the factional Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee and a former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, made the sharp declaration in Calabar. His comments were a direct reaction to recent controversies surrounding the state congress that produced the Venatius Ikem-led executive.

Wike Accused of Colluding in Disputed Congress

Ewa accused the FCT Minister of actively supporting the disputed state congress, which took place two weeks ago. He alleged that Wike collaborated with the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, to influence the outcome.

“Wike is an outsider. We cannot allow someone who is no longer part of the PDP to dictate what happens in Cross River State,” Ewa stated firmly. He further claimed that Wike also backed the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Prof. Sandy Onor.

This stance is based on the widely held position within the party that Wike, a Minister under the APC-led Federal Government, has effectively ceased to be a genuine member of the PDP.

Pledging Loyalty Despite Past Temptations

Ewa used the opportunity to address poor governance and infrastructure decay in the state, attributing these failures to past “wrong leadership choices.” He also strongly condemned the frequent defection of elected officials, saying such actions weaken party structures.

While acknowledging that some members had previously “explored other options” (referencing claims that he and associates had joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC), Ewa reaffirmed his faction’s commitment to rebuilding and remaining in the PDP.

“Our constitution prescribes how to leave the party. We have been in PDP since 1998 and remain committed to its ideals,” he stressed, urging politicians to emulate President Bola Tinubu’s example of staying steadfast in opposition.