Ex-Gov Imoke, Bassey Dump PDP in Cross River

Two prominent political figures in Cross River State, former governor Liyel Imoke and ex-senator Gershom Bassey, have resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing lingering internal challenges within the party.

Both men communicated their decisions in separate letters addressed to their respective ward chairmen.

Bassey, who represented Cross River South in the 8th and 9th Senate, formally notified the PDP Ward Chairman of Ward 9 in Calabar South Local Government Area of his resignation in a letter dated March 12, 2026.

The former senator said his decision takes immediate effect, describing it as a difficult step after years of involvement in the party.

He noted that he had been a founding member of the PDP and played a role in building it into what he described as a strong political platform that once reflected the aspirations of many Nigerians.

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However, Bassey said recent developments within the party had made it increasingly difficult for him to remain hopeful about its future direction.

Similarly, former Cross River governor Liyel Imoke announced his resignation from the PDP after nearly three decades of membership.

In a letter dated March 2, 2026, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Itigidi Council Ward, Abi Local Government Area, Imoke said he was ending his 28-year association with the party.

He attributed his decision to prolonged internal challenges within the organisation, which he said had made it difficult for him to continue contributing effectively to the party and serving the people through its platform.

Imoke noted that he joined the PDP in 1998 and expressed gratitude for the opportunities the party gave him to serve in various capacities, including as Presidential Special Adviser, Minister of the Federal Republic, and Governor of Cross River State.

His resignation letter was acknowledged on March 3, 2026, by the Ward Chairman of the party in Itigidi Council Ward, Elder David Alobo James.