By Patrick Obia
The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has taken another turn, with the faction loyal to Senator Tanimu Turaki declaring that the party’s so-called “Rainbow Coalition” is collapsing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The faction led by Julius Udayi, stated this in a press briefing held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Press Center, Calabar.
The group called on PDP members in the state to remain calm and united, while expressing confidence that an impending Court of Appeal judgment would resolve the dispute over the party’s leadership and candidates.
READ: BREAKING: Cross River PDP Chairman Venatius Ikem Resigns, Cites Leadership Crisis
Udayi alleged that Venatius Ikem, described by the faction as the chairman imposed by the Wike-aligned faction of the PDP in the state, had resigned his membership of the party.
According to Udayi, Ikem’s resignation was an indication that the political arrangement associated with the “Rainbow Coalition” was coming to an end.
“We of the Turaki led executive candidates are not surprised by this positive development because we saw it coming when time is given a chance,” Udayi said with a smile.
He linked Ikem’s resignation to an anticipated judgment of the Nigerian Court of Appeal, expressing confidence that the ruling would settle the competing claims over the authentic leadership and candidates of the PDP in Cross River State.
The faction maintained that candidates nominated by the Turaki-led caretaker committee are the authentic candidates of the PDP in Cross River.
Udayi specifically identified himself as the authentic governorship candidate and Ebri Inah as the deputy governorship candidate, alongside other candidates nominated for the National Assembly and Cross River State House of Assembly elections.
He criticized the political camp associated with the “Rainbow Coalition,” describing the development as evidence of what they called the end of Nyesom Wike’s political influence in Cross River State.
The group urged PDP members in the state to remain hopeful, law-abiding, and committed to the party’s ideals, while expressing confidence that the ongoing internal crisis would ultimately strengthen the party as the elections beckons.
He said the faction was already focusing on preparations for the 2027 general elections and reiterated his vision of using Cross River State’s human and natural resources to promote self-sufficiency, inclusive development and improved living conditions.
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