Chief Francis Bullem Assumes Role as Cross River PDP Chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River State has officially ratified Chief Francis Bullem as its substantive State Chairman during a meeting held at the party secretariat in Calabar. The transition follows the resignation of the former state chairman, Venatius Ikem, who stepped down from his position citing internal divisions and leadership concerns within the political organization.

The decision to elevate Bullem was formalized through a communiqué signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi. According to party officials, the leadership change complies with the provisions outlined in the party constitution, specifically Article 47, Sections 5 and 6 of the amended 2017 document. Members gathered at the meeting expressed optimism that the new leadership structure would stabilize the regional chapter.

In addition to the leadership transition, the State Executive Committee used the gathering to declare its firm loyalty to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, recognizing him as a national leader of the party. The committee formally endorsed the Rainbow Coalition associated with Wike, signaling aligned political interests between the Cross River chapter and the coalition platform.

During the same session, the party leadership addressed broader security and political concerns within the state, expressing deep apprehension over reported attacks targeting members of the PDP and other opposition groups. The committee condemned acts of intimidation and urged authorities to ensure that all political actors can engage in lawful civic activities without facing harassment or violence in the region.

Source reporting: Vanguard — 2026-11-06 07:19:55