Another faction of PDP emerges in CRS, says Arthur Jarvis, others are not their candidates.

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River State has declared itself the legitimate leadership of the party in the state, insisting that only its candidates are duly recognised to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 general elections.

The faction made the declaration on Friday during a press conference held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar, where it sought to address what it described as growing misinformation over the party’s leadership and candidates in the state.

Addressing journalists, the faction’s governorship candidate, Udayi Julius, said he spoke on behalf of the National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), which he described as the authentic leadership of the PDP.

Also in attendance were members of the faction’s caretaker committee led by its state chairman, Timothy Ekawon, as well as its senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates for the 2027 elections.

Julius said the briefing became necessary to counter claims by individuals allegedly presenting themselves as PDP candidates without the backing of the recognised leadership of the party.

He said, “This press briefing has become necessary in response to the misleading narrative being presented to the people of Cross River State by certain individuals who are falsely parading themselves as candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party. It is important that we provide clarity regarding the authentic leadership of our great party and its duly recognised candidates.”

The governorship candidate maintained that recent judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had affirmed the legitimacy of the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led leadership, under which the faction’s candidates emerged through the party’s nomination process.

He said, “Following the judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, it is our position that the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led leadership remains the authentic and legally recognised leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party. It is under this leadership that all of us standing before you today emerged as duly nominated candidates of the party.”

The faction also dismissed the claims of persons allegedly operating under a separate structure while presenting themselves as PDP candidates.

It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, party members and the public not to be misled by what it described as false claims capable of creating confusion ahead of the 2027 elections.

Julius said, “We therefore call on all party faithful, supporters, stakeholders, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the general public to disregard any misleading claims or political misinformation designed to create confusion among the electorate.”

Reaffirming its resolve to maintaining democratic values, the faction pledged to continue pursuing peace, good governance and development in Cross River State.

Julius added, “As the authentic PDP family in Cross River State, we remain committed to providing credible leadership, upholding democratic principles, and working tirelessly for the peace, progress and prosperity of our dear state”

“We respectfully solicit the continued support, trust and cooperation of all Cross Riverians as we move forward together under the leadership of the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led Peoples Democratic Party.”