Two prominent political figures from Cross River State, former governor Liyel Imoke and former senator Gershom Bassey, have formally resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The duo announced their departures in separate resignation letters addressed to their respective ward chairmen, citing internal challenges within the party as the reason for their decisions.
In a resignation letter dated March 12, 2026, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Ward 9 in Calabar South Local Government Area, Bassey stated that his decision to leave the party takes immediate effect.
The former lawmaker, who represented Cross River South Senatorial District in the 8th and 9th National Assembly, described the move as a difficult one.
According to him, he had been a founding member of the PDP and contributed significantly to building the party into a strong political platform.
However, he noted that recent internal developments within the party made it increasingly difficult for him to remain hopeful about its future direction.
Similarly, Imoke announced his resignation in a letter dated March 2, 2026, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Itigidi Council Ward, Abi Local Government Area.
The former governor explained that his decision marked the end of 28 years of membership in the party.
According to him, persistent internal challenges within the PDP have made it difficult for him to continue contributing effectively to the party and serving the people through its platform.
Imoke noted that he had been a member of the PDP since 1998 and expressed gratitude for the opportunities the party provided during his political career.
Through the party’s platform, he served in several capacities, including Presidential Special Adviser, Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Governor of Cross River State.
The resignation letter was officially acknowledged on March 3, 2026, by the Ward Chairman of the party in Itigidi Council Ward, David Alobo James.
Their resignations add to the growing political realignments taking place across the country ahead of future electoral contests.
