Barr. (Hon.) Prince Ankot-Ita Ankot Cobham, a Prominent PDP Stalwart, Grand Grassroots Commander and Structures Maintainer in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, has finally resigned from the party, Signaling Potential Shifts in Calabar Municipal Politics and Cross River State at Large.
Ankot, known for his influential roles and voters’ mobilization prowess in local and state politics, first stepped down from his position on the PDP Caretaker Committee for Cross River State and thereafter terminated his overall membership in the PDP.
The move was formalized in a letter dated January 9, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of PDP Ward Ten (10), Calabar Municipal Chapter.
As one of the PDP’s most prominent voices, one of the adherent supporters and an investor in ward, local government, and state politics at large, Ankot has long been regarded as a big name within the party, having held pivotal positions that shaped its local and state-level strategies.
His tenure included serving as Honorable Councilor representing Ward 10 and Chief Whip of the Council; former two-term Chapter Secretary; 2023 House of Assembly aspirant; and former member of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Cross River State.
In his resignation letter, Ankot described the decision as the culmination of “careful consideration” and “wider consultation,” stating his desire to “move on to pursue other endeavors.” He noted that his “core reasons” for stepping away would be revealed to the public “at the appropriate time,” leaving room for speculation about his next political moves.
Expressing profound gratitude, Ankot highlighted the opportunities the PDP provided him over the years: “I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve in various capacities within the party and thank the leader of the party, Rt. Hon. Eta Mbora, members of the party, and particularly the 6 delegates who voted for me in the primary to become a Councilor, the 14 uncompromised delegates and the delegate’s owners who voted for me against all odds, enticement, blackmail, and inducement in the 2023 House of Assembly Primary Election, which I lost to the incumbent with just a lone vote.”
Ankot framed his exit as “bittersweet,” emphasizing excitement for the “next chapter of my political journey because it is solely in the hand of God.”
The impact of Ankot’s resignation on the PDP could be substantial, particularly in Cross River State, where he has been a linchpin for party unity and voter engagement at the grassroot.
As a big name loved by his generation, with a track record of rallying delegates, maintaining party structures, and navigating internal party primaries against formidable odds, his exit will surely weaken the party’s grassroots structures to its taproot ahead of the upcoming 2027 elections.
Being a man of integrity, sincerity, and uncompromised fellow, and his influence extending from Calabar Municipal politics to the state level, his departure will create a vacuum in young leadership, affecting the party’s ability to mobilize support in major wards in Calabar Municipality.
Further details on Ankot’s future plans are awaited as he steps into what he describes as a God-ordained path.
Cross River Hub Media
