The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Venatius Ikem, has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as "a big asset" for the party despite ongoing tensions.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST in Calabar, Ikem insisted that "Wike remains a PDP member" and expressed confidence that the party would soon address Wike's grievances.

"I believe he remains an asset to the party. Being cautious is not fear," Ikem stated. "I believe the PDP appreciates the asset in Chief Wike and wouldn't want to lose him out of frustration with his anger. He will come around."

The comments come amid speculation about Wike's political future, as the FCT Minister has maintained close ties with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government while technically remaining a PDP member.

Defections and Party Purification

Addressing the issue of defections within the PDP in Cross River State, Ikem expressed little concern, suggesting that recent departures have actually strengthened the party.

"I won't be surprised to see more defections because there is a lot of hunger in the land occasioned by APC leadership failure in the state and country," he remarked.

Interestingly, Ikem revealed that some APC members have approached him about returning to the PDP. "I can tell you that we are holding some people back from defecting to PDP for now for strategic reasons best known to us," he disclosed.

The Cross River PDP chairman characterized recent defections as beneficial to the party's long-term health. "Defection from PDP is a purification, not weakness. PDP in the state is being purified to showcase the real passionate believers in the party," Ikem explained.

His comments suggest a strategic repositioning of the PDP in Cross River State ahead of future electoral contests, with the party focusing on consolidating its core membership while preparing for potential new additions from the ruling party.