Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Cross River State has thrown the contest for the governorship and other elective positions in the state open.

The party leadership may have decided to jettison zoning arrangements following stiff opposition by some prominent members of the party.

Some aggrieved PDP members had accused the party leadership of adopting the zoning system so as to bar some aspirants from vying for elective positions in 2015. Meanwhile, the state PDP chairman, Ntufam John Okon have disclosed that members of the party aspiring for elective offices will be allowed to vie for the party’s tickets. Saying, they will be allowed to ‘test their popularity on the field.’ “We, the party leadership, met and agreed that the nomination of candidates must be open and transparent. We have not authorized the zoning of any position in the state.”

He told PDP members in the state that the party has no preferred candidates and assured all aspirants of a level playing ground.

The zoning of elective offices in Cross River PDP has caused serious disaffection within the party with most party members accusing the leadership of attempting to foist unpopular candidates.