JUST IN: Former Cross River Governor Imoke, Ex-Senator Bassey Resign from PDP

Former Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke, and former senator representing Cross River South, Gershom Bassey, have formally resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending decades of association with the party.

Both politicians confirmed their exit through separate letters addressed to their ward chairmen in Cross River State.

The letters indicated that their decisions were influenced by recent developments within the party structure.

Bassey’s resignation letter, dated March 12, 2026, was addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Ward 9 in Calabar South Local Government Area. In the letter, the former lawmaker stated that his resignation takes immediate effect.

The ex-senator explained that leaving the party was not an easy decision. He noted that he had been a founding member of the PDP and played a role in strengthening the party over the years.

According to him, the platform once represented the collective aspirations of many Nigerians who believed in its ideals.

However, Bassey said the internal challenges currently facing the party had made it difficult for him to remain hopeful about its future direction. The former senator represented Cross River South in the 8th and 9th Senate before the end of his tenure.

Similarly, former governor Imoke also communicated his decision to quit the PDP in a separate letter dated March 2, 2026. The letter was addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Itigidi Council Ward, Abi Local Government Area of the state.

Imoke said his resignation marks the end of a 28-year political journey within the party. He explained that ongoing issues within the organisation had made it increasingly difficult for him to continue participating actively in its affairs.

The former governor reflected on his long association with the party, noting that he joined the PDP in 1998 and had served in several capacities under its platform. These include his roles as Presidential Special Adviser, Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and later Governor of Cross River State.

Despite his departure, Imoke expressed appreciation to the party for the opportunities it gave him to serve the country and his state at different levels of government.

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