The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State is facing escalating tensions following a controversial court ruling that has upended its leadership structure. The crisis has led to the emergence of a factional leadership loyal to the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, further deepening the divide within the party.
The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Stephen Jumbo, nullified the congresses that produced executive members aligned with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. The court issued a restraining order preventing the existing ward, local government, and state executives led by State Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka from functioning in their official capacities.
The ruling was based on an interlocutory injunction filed by Port Harcourt-based lawyers Edwin Woko, Love Otuonye, and two others. In response, Robinson Ewor, PDP Chairman for the Rivers West Senatorial District, declared himself the acting chairman of the party in the state.
At a press conference in Port Harcourt, Ewor introduced a new caretaker executive committee, which includes Dr. Feild Nkor as acting secretary and members like Uranta Humphrey, Sydney Gbara, Victor Pepple, and Emile Solomon. Flanked by former members of the state working committee ousted in the leadership shake-up, Ewor stated that the court ruling had restored the party’s rightful leadership. He dismissed the faction led by Aaron Chukwuemeka, Martin Amaewhule, and others as illegitimate, accusing them of manipulating directives from the PDP National Secretariat to extend their tenure through controversial congresses.
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Ewor said, “The court has barred Aaron Chukwuemeka and his group from parading themselves as executives of the PDP in Rivers State. The judgement reinstates the original leadership of the party, which is aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.” He called on the PDP National Secretariat to recognize Fubara as the leader of the party in the state and urged swift enforcement of the court’s decision.
On the other hand, the Wike-backed faction remains defiant. The state publicity secretary, Dr. Kenneth Yowika, reaffirmed the legitimacy of Aaron Chukwuemeka’s leadership, citing a prior Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that had sanctioned the congresses. Yowika declared that the ruling by Justice Jumbo would be appealed, stating, “We are studying the judgement and will file an appeal immediately.”
As the leadership tussle intensifies, the PDP in Rivers State faces a critical test of unity, with both factions vying for control and influence. The outcome of this power struggle could have far-reaching implications for the party’s stability and its political future in the state.
