A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has endorsed lawyer and tax consultant, Julius Udayi, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election, insisting it is the authentic leadership of the party in the state.
The endorsement was announced on Friday during a press briefing in Calabar, where Udayi appeared alongside the faction’s candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.
Addressing journalists, Udayi said the briefing was convened to clear what the group described as misconceptions over the leadership of the PDP in Cross River State and the identity of its candidates for the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that the faction loyal to the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led National Working Committee is the legally recognised leadership of the party, arguing that its position is backed by judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Udayi urged party members, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the public to disregard rival claims to the party’s leadership and candidature, insisting that only candidates produced by his faction are valid.
The endorsement comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the Cross River PDP, with another faction of the party having also endorsed Arthur Jarvis as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
Responding to questions on zoning, Udayi argued that the arrangement is a political understanding rather than a constitutional requirement.
“Zoning is a gentleman’s arrangement. It is not constitutional. We believe leadership should be based on competence and the ability to deliver for the people,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that his faction was being sponsored by external political interests, saying its focus is to rebuild the PDP and provide credible leadership for the state.
As of the time of filing this report, the Arthur Jarvis faction had not responded to Udayi’s claims regarding the party’s leadership and candidature.