Cross River PDP Cracks Down on Online Abuses, Orders Verification of Party Executives
Party warns members against cyberstalking, says defections to APC are driven by selfish interests, not ideology.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has issued a stern warning to its members, threatening disciplinary action against those using social media to insult or malign party officials.
State party chairman, Chief Venatius Ikem, gave the warning in a statement released after a strategic meeting with local government party chairmen in Calabar on Friday. He decried the increasing trend of cyberstalking by members and the creation of unauthorized platforms used for verbal attacks.
“We seriously frown at the high rate of cyberstalking by some members on party officials,” Ikem said. “Offenders will be punished to serve as a deterrent to others.”
To ensure internal order and transparency, the PDP has launched a verification exercise aimed at identifying legitimate party executives across the state. Ikem emphasized that the exercise would help build a more united and effective structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also addressed the issue of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that while some PDP members had switched allegiance, many have returned alongside their supporters. Ikem attributed the wave of defections to a lack of political ideology and alleged that some defectors were motivated by personal gain or the search for protection from prosecution.
“Some politicians defect to the APC not out of conviction, but to hide under its umbrella and escape accountability,” he stated. “They have not benefited meaningfully since leaving, and many are now disillusioned.”
Ikem commended party loyalists for remaining steadfast despite pressure and enticements, asserting that the PDP continues to be the most credible political alternative for Nigeria’s future. He also criticized the ruling party for allegedly exploiting poverty to lure politicians, urging PDP members to resist such tactics and remain committed to the party’s values.
