By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Senator Gershom Bassey, former Senator Representing Cross River South Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Bassey, one of the founding members of PDP, tendered his resignation via a letter addressed to the Ward Chairman of Ward 9 in Calabar South Local Government Area of the state on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
According to the letter, the former Chairman of the Cross River State Water Board Limited (CRSWBL), said the decision to leave the party didn’t come easy, therefore it is with a heavy heart that he had to leave.
He listed the persistent internal crises, deep divisions, and unresolved conflicts that have plagued the party in recent times, as some of the reasons he had to leave the party.
“I write to formally resign my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party I proudly helped to found and nurture over the years. This decision has not come easily.
“As a founding member, I invested my time, energy, and unwavering commitment in building the PDP into a formidable political platform that once embodied the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians. It is, therefore, with a heavy heart that I take this step.
“The persistent internal crises, deep divisions, and unresolved conflicts that have plagued the party in recent times have made it increasingly difficult to remain optimistic about its future. The continuous splits within the party structure have weakened its unity and eroded the values upon which it was originally founded. The most recent crisis has unfortunately made it clear that the party is drifting further away from its ideals that once bound us together.
“Sadly, it now appears that the PDP may not be able to recover from this situation. What makes this even more painful is the apparent unwillingness of party elders and leaders to genuinely fight for its soul and restore the discipline, unity, and vision that once defined it.
“For someone who was present at the birth of this great party, watching its gradual decline has been deeply disappointing. A once great institution and pillar of our Democratic experiment has been reduced to a caricature of itself.
“Nonetheless, I believe it is only honest and honourable for me to step aside rather than remain part of a system that no longer reflects the principles I stand for. I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served within the PDP and for the relationships and experiences built over the years.
“Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect,” the letter stated.
