The recent announcement of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIE) members has sparked a significant debate within the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP is now questioning the viability of participating in the forthcoming local government council elections in Cross River State. This uncertainty is attributed to Governor Bassey Otu’s exceptional performance and rapid progress in his tenure, which has set a high bar that makes opposition campaigns seem less appealing.
Governor Otu, who has been in office for just over a year, has made substantial strides in the state’s development. His administration's achievements, including effective governance, inclusivity, accountability, and transparency, have garnered widespread approval. These successes are believed to have set such a high standard that it could render the PDP's election strategies less competitive.
The PDP’s concerns are compounded by internal issues within the party. Stakeholders highlight two major factors contributing to their hesitance. Firstly, there is dissatisfaction with the current leadership of Barr Vena Ikem, the State Chairman of PDP. His tenure is described as marked by militarization, chaos, constitutional violations, and a lack of democratic governance within the party. These issues are seen as exacerbating the party's internal conflicts and undermining its electoral strategies.
Secondly, the rapid development and effective governance under Governor Otu have reportedly led to a lack of confidence within the PDP. The administration’s achievements have reportedly outstripped expectations, diminishing the perceived efficacy of the opposition's campaign efforts. Governor Otu’s inclusive approach and strong governance have earned him praise across party lines, including from the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), which has recently passed a vote of confidence in his leadership.
Given these dynamics, PDP stakeholders are questioning whether participating in the local elections will be worthwhile or if it would be more strategic to address internal issues and reassess their approach. The rapid progress and effectiveness of Governor Otu’s administration have set a challenging benchmark that the PDP must contend with if it wishes to remain competitive in Cross River State’s political landscape.
Citizen Ekanem Essien
Senior Special Assistant to Governor of Cross River State on Digital Media