By Kelvin Ololo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis in Cross River State has deepened as former senator who represented Cross River South in the National Assembly, Senator Gershom Bassey, has resigned his party membership.
The resignation signaling deepening cracks within the party’s structure in the state is coming a few hours after former governor of the state, Senator Liyel Imoke also resigned for a perceived “protracted crisis” in the party.
In a formal resignation letter dated March 12, 2026 and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Ward 9 in Calabar South Local Government Area, Senator Bassey announced his decision to withdraw his membership from the party with immediate effect.
Represented Cross River South in the 8th and 9th Assembly, he described the decision as painful but necessary, citing persistent internal crises, divisions, and unresolved conflicts that have weakened the party’s unity and undermined its founding ideals.
“I write to formally resign my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party, a party I proudly helped to found and nurture over the years,” Bassey stated in the letter.
READ: Former Governor Imoke Resigns From PDP After 28 Years
He noted that as a founding member of the party, he invested significant time and effort in building the PDP into a formidable political platform that once represented the aspirations of millions of Nigerians. However, the party has in recent times drifted away from its core principles.
“The persistent internal crises, deep divisions, and unresolved conflicts that have plagued the party in recent times have made it increasingly difficult to remain optimistic about its future,” he wrote.
Bassey further lamented that continuous splits within the party structure have weakened its cohesion and eroded the values upon which it was originally founded.
“What makes this even more painful is the apparent unwillingness of party elders and leaders to genuinely fight for its soul and restore the discipline, unity, and vision that once defined it.”
The former lawmaker described the gradual decline of the PDP as deeply disappointing for those who were present at the birth of the party. “For someone who was present at the birth of this great party, watching its gradual decline has been deeply disappointing.”
Despite his departure, Bassey expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under the party and for the relationships and experiences built during his time in the PDP.
READ ALSO: Senator Jarigbe Agom Dumps PDP For APC
Political observers say Bassey’s resignation is part of a broader wave of exits by influential PDP stakeholders in Cross River State, raising concerns about the party’s strength ahead of future elections.
Among notable figures whose political alignments are drawing attention are Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who currently represents Cross River North in the Senate, and former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke, both regarded as key stakeholders within the party’s power structure in the state.
Analysts say the growing uncertainty surrounding the positions of these influential political actors reflects the ongoing realignment within Cross River politics.
The development marks another significant moment for the PDP in the state, as internal disagreements and defections continue to reshape the political landscape.
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