The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Calabar Municipality has been struck by yet another major defection with the resignation of Elder Hon. Okon Mbora, its flag bearer in the last Local Government Area chairmanship election, and Hon. Charles Okon Effiom, former Councilor of Ward 8 and the current Leader of Ward 8.
This significant blow to PDP comes immediately after the resignation letter of one of the strong pillars of PDP in Calabar Municipality, Barr. (Hon.) Ankot Cobham, was seen online insinuating an emerging robust political movement in the capital city.
Mbora and Effiom, longstanding pillars of the party’s structures in their various wards, formally resigned their membership in letters dated January 27, 2026, respectively.
Their departure is seen as a significant setback for the PDP, given their deep-rooted involvement. Beyond Mbora’s recent candidacy, he was a former Vice Chairman of the Calabar Municipality Chapter and a former Councilor representing Ward 2.
In their resignation letters addressed to their ward chairmen, Mbora attributed his “very difficult decision” to “the dwindling situation of our once cherished party.” Hon. Charles, who stated that he joined PDP from its inception in 1998, attributed his decision to personal reasons after much reflection. The duo expressed their thanks for the opportunities to serve at various levels. “With this unforgettable experience, I wish the party well,” Mbora concluded his letter.
From what we have gathered from an unnamed source, *Mbule* is resigning with all his political associates, supporters and above all, the entire ward structure of Ward 2. Just within a week, ward 5, 8, 10, and 2 in Calabar Municipality are gone, and more are planning to join soon.
It is an undeniable fact that these resignations will surely create ripples within the party’s ranks and will serve as a barrier to the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 electoral contests in Calabar Municipality and Cross River State at large.
