The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party has taken a new turn in Cross River State, with rival factions presenting different governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Julius Udayi Esq. on Friday presented himself as the authentic PDP governorship candidate in the state, appearing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Calabar.
Udayi said his candidacy was backed by the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee of the party, insisting that recent court judgments affirmed the faction’s leadership.
He accused some individuals of falsely parading themselves as PDP candidates and urged party members, INEC, security agencies and residents of Cross River State to disregard what he described as unauthorised claims.
However, the faction loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, rejected Udayi’s declaration, describing him as illegitimate.
The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Ojisi, said Sir Arthur Jarvis remains the recognised PDP governorship candidate in Cross River State, questioning why Udayi did not hold his briefing at the party secretariat.
The development adds to the growing divisions within the PDP as rival factions continue to battle for control ahead of the 2027 general elections.
