Cross River PDP Warns Against Social Media Attacks on Party Officials

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has issued a stern warning to its members against using social media platforms to insult or cyberstalk party officials, vowing to sanction defaulters.

The warning was contained in a statement issued by the state party chairman, Chief Venatius Ikem, on Friday following a meeting with local government party chairmen in Calabar.

“We seriously frown at the high rate of cyberstalking by some members on party officials, characterized by the opening of unauthorized social media platforms where abuses are wantonly committed. Offenders will be punished to serve as a deterrent to others,” Ikem stated.

To sanitize the party structure and affirm the authenticity of its leadership at all levels, the Cross River PDP has authorized a statewide verification exercise.

According to Ikem, the exercise is part of efforts to reposition and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that only verified and committed party executives will lead the party into the future.

He also lamented the continued efforts by rival parties to lure PDP members into defection, attributing the trend to systemic poverty allegedly entrenched by the ruling party to serve political ends.

Despite these pressures, he commended loyal members for standing firm and resisting enticements.

“The enticement of our members is a calculated attempt to exploit the poverty the ruling party has institutionalized. Yet, many of our members have shown resilience, and for that, we applaud them,” he said.

Ikem downplayed recent defections from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as insignificant and self-serving.

“Some defectors to the APC aren’t reaping any tangible benefits but rather seek to bask in the ruling party’s aura. Some unscrupulous officials exploit this membership as a form of immunity from prosecution. These are not ideologically driven decisions but acts of political opportunism,” he said.

He further noted that while defections to the APC have been reported, the PDP has also welcomed back former members and their supporters who have returned in recent weeks.

“The movement between parties is not unique to Cross River State. Across the federation, even highly placed elected officials, including governors, have changed parties due to a lack of firm political ideology,” Ikem added.

The PDP chairman urged members to remain steadfast, describing the party as Nigeria’s most viable political alternative for a better future.