Former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, and ex-Senator representing Cross River South, Gershom Bassey, have resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In separate letters sent to their ward chairmen, both political figures cited developments within the party as the reason for their departure.
Bassey, in a resignation letter dated March 12, 2026, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Ward 9 in Calabar South Local Government Area, stated that his decision to leave the party takes immediate effect.
The former senator, who represented Cross River South in the 8th and 9th Senate, described the decision as difficult, noting that recent developments within the party influenced his action.
He said he had been a founding member of the PDP and had contributed to building the party into a strong political platform that once represented the aspirations of many Nigerians.
Bassey stated in the letter that the internal challenges confronting the party had made it difficult for him to remain optimistic about its future.
Similarly, Imoke, in a resignation letter dated March 2, 2026, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Itigidi Council Ward, Abi Local Government Area, announced the end of his 28-year membership of the party.
The former governor said his decision followed the protracted challenges within the party, which he said had made it difficult for him to continue to effectively serve the organisation and the people.
Imoke, who noted that he had been a member of the party since 1998, expressed appreciation for the opportunities the PDP gave him to serve as Presidential Special Adviser, Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Governor of Cross River State.
His resignation letter was acknowledged on March 3, 2026, by the Ward Chairman of the party in Itigidi Council Ward, Elder David Alobo James.
