The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the constitution of a Caretaker Committee to manage the affairs of its Cross River State Chapter.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party explained that the decision followed the expiration of the tenure of the outgoing State Executive Committee, which was elected four years ago.
It also comes in the wake of a purported State Congress recently held in Cross River, which the NWC declared illegal and not recognised by the national leadership.
The caretaker committee, therefore, has been put in place to stabilise the party’s structure in the state until a fresh and properly conducted congress is held.
The new caretaker team, which will serve for an initial period of three months beginning on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 or until a new State Executive Committee is elected, will be chaired by Bassey Eko Ewa, a former federal lawmaker.
Dr. Bassey Joseph Adim will serve as Secretary.
Other members of the 18-man committee include Mr. Joe Ekpe Edet, Mr. Udie Mike, Mr. Lynne Bassey, Etim Okon, Barr. Ankot Cohbom, Mr. Ofana Raphael Odo, Mr. Onun Inyang Unoh, Barr. Ebaye Akunjom, Godswill Obindim, Barr. Edem Ekong, Mr. Raymond Abo, Mr. Moses Bisuakefe, Mr. Agabi Dominic Oko, Mr. Walter Nandi Esom, Mr. Ekpo Asuquo, and Rev. Victor Erig Takon.
Once a stronghold of the PDP, Cross River State slipped into the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2021 after then-Governor Ben Ayade defected.
Since then, the PDP has been working to rebuild its structures and reclaim lost political ground, especially in a state considered strategic to the party’s South-South dominance.
By declaring the earlier congress illegal and appointing a caretaker committee with a wide representation of stakeholders, the NWC is signaling its determination to restore order, reconcile factions, and strengthen the party’s chances in forthcoming congresses and general elections.
Akwa Ibom Committee
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also approved the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Committee of the party and constituted a caretaker committee to oversee its affairs.
The decision, which was taken at the NWC meeting on Tuesday, was made pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
The caretaker committee will manage the party’s activities in the state for a period not exceeding three months, or until a new executive committee is elected.
This move comes amid recent internal disagreements in the Akwa Ibom State chapter, which the national leadership says necessitated its reorganisation to ensure unity and reposition the party ahead of future political contests.
The caretaker committee is chaired by Igwat Umoren, with Harrison Ekpo as deputy chairman and Borono Bassey as secretary.
Other members include Mr. Ewa Okpo (Publicity Secretary), Emman Mbong (Organising Secretary), Hon. Aniekan Asuquo (Youth Leader), Mary Silvia Abara (Woman Leader), Barr. Enoch Enoch (Legal Adviser), as well as other prominent stakeholders.
In total, 31 members were appointed to the caretaker committee to reflect broad representation and inclusivity within the state chapter.