The Peoples Democratic Party has accepted the judgment of the Rivers State High Court that nullified its Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses held on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024, respectively. Punch reports.
In a statement on Thursday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed that the party’s National Working Committee had recognized Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor’s faction, which is aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as the legitimate state executives of the party.
This development comes amid the ongoing rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over control of the party’s structure in the state.
Despite several failed reconciliation attempts, Wike’s faction emerged victorious in the congresses held last year, after Fubara’s allies withdrew, citing a court injunction.
However, on January 13, 2025, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Stephen Jumbo, issued an interlocutory injunction restraining the executives led by State Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, who is loyal to Wike, from functioning as the party’s leadership in the state.
Justice Jumbo’s ruling effectively disbanded the congress-elected executives and recognized the Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor-led faction as the legitimate party leaders in Rivers State.
Reacting to the verdict, Ologunagba, in his statement, lauded the court’s decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of the PDP’s commitment to transparency and internal democracy.
The statement read, “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) acknowledges receipt, has considered, and hereby accepts the judgment of the Rivers State High Court, which in Suit No. PHC/2301/CS/2024 nullified the Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses of our Party in Rivers State conducted on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024, respectively.
“Consequently, in line with the judgment of the Court delivered on Monday, January 13, 2025, the NWC affirms the Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor-led Rivers State Executive to henceforth pilot the affairs of the PDP Rivers State Chapter in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017),” the statement read.
The NWC further praised the court’s ruling for upholding the party’s principles of due process and strict adherence to internal guidelines, urging all party members to support the Ewor-led executive.
It added, “The NWC commends the decision of the court, which reaffirms the PDP’s position as a bastion of transparency, internal democracy, and strict adherence to the rule of law in the conduct of congresses and other activities.
“We call on all leaders, stakeholders, members, and supporters of our party in Rivers State to work with the Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor-led executive to ensure the unity, stability, and growth of the PDP in the state.”
Ologunagba also charged the Ewor-led leadership to prioritize efforts to unite the party and enhance its electoral fortunes in Rivers State.
