A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Comrade Austine Ibok, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the party while simultaneously pledging support for the growing ADC-led political coalition. In a statement released on Thursday, Ibok defended his position by pointing to the political strategy of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has remained a PDP member while openly backing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ibok, in his public address to PDP members in the state, clarified that his support for the ADC coalition was not borne out of disloyalty, but rather a calculated move inspired by a precedent set by his political leader Nyesom Wike “Our political leader, Minister Nyesom Wike, has set a clear example of strategic political engagement.
He remains in the PDP yet openly supports the APC and influences outcomes to the advantage of his political interests. We are simply following in the footsteps of the political wisdom he has demonstrated time and again,” Ibok said
The statement follows growing speculation and internal party tensions over the dual allegiances of some PDP members in the state. According to Ibok, a “fake circular” is being circulated to discredit loyal PDP members who have opted to support the ADC coalition’s agenda ahead of 2027.
Even as laymen, we understand that in law, you cannot place something on nothing and expect it to stand,” he said. Advertisements The move by Ibok comes amid a broader shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, where alliances across party lines are becoming increasingly common, especially in the build-up to the 2027 general elections. Despite remaining a PDP member, Ibok urged his colleagues to stay focused and committed to the ADC coalition’s cause, insisting that “history will vindicate us.”