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PDP affirms support for Fubara’s ally as party chairman in Rivers state amidst political crisis

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In a significant development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its endorsement of Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor as the party chairman in Rivers State, a decision that has major implications for the political landscape in the state and the broader democratic process in Nigeria.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the endorsement of Ewor, a close ally of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, follows a court ruling that nullified the 2024 PDP congress held in Rivers State.

The congress had been supervised by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a key figure in the party’s politics in the state.

The relationship between Wike and Fubara has been fraught with tensions, with both leaders competing for dominance in the control of political structures within Rivers State.

The recent court judgment, which invalidated the congress, has further escalated the political rivalry between the two, leading to a realignment within the PDP.

In a statement issued on Friday, the PDP made it clear that its decision to back Ewor is in compliance with the judgment delivered by the Rivers State High Court, which invalidated the Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses conducted between July 27 and August 31, 2024.

According to PDP’s spokesperson, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party had no alternative but to abide by the court’s judgment, as it has not been appealed, set aside, or stayed by any higher court of competent jurisdiction.

This position underscores the PDP’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, which is an essential pillar of democracy.

The PDP’s decision to support Ewor as the legitimate party chairman in Rivers State comes at a time when the party is grappling with the ramifications of the ongoing conflict between Fubara and Wike.

Both political figures have powerful influence in the state, and their rivalry has created deep divides within the party, threatening to destabilize PDP’s stronghold in Rivers.

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Wike’s control over political structures, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 congress, had initially positioned him as the key player in the party’s affairs in Rivers.

However, the court’s ruling has effectively handed the advantage to Fubara, who now has the backing of the party’s national leadership.

The fallout from the Wike-Fubara crisis has broader implications for the health of democracy in Rivers State and beyond.

When political leaders engage in power struggles that spill over into party structures and governance, it can erode public trust in democratic processes.

This internal conflict within the PDP is a clear example of how political infighting can have a direct impact on the functionality of democratic institutions.

The party’s decision to abide by the court’s ruling is seen as an effort to restore order and prevent further chaos, but the deepening rift between Fubara and Wike may continue to challenge the party’s unity.

In his statement, Hon. Ologunagba also highlighted the PDP’s commitment to avoiding a repeat of the scenario witnessed in Plateau State, where the party lost several seats in the National Assembly and the Plateau State House of Assembly during the 2023 general elections due to the failure to comply with a 2020 court ruling.

The PDP’s adherence to the court’s ruling in Rivers State is thus framed not only as a legal obligation but also as a crucial move to safeguard the party’s future in the state and prevent electoral losses that could result from internal conflicts.

This reminder of Plateau State’s experience underscores the consequences of non-compliance with judicial decisions, which can undermine democratic legitimacy and weaken political parties’ ability to effectively compete in elections.

As the PDP seeks to stabilize its leadership structure in Rivers State, the party has called on all stakeholders, including leaders, members, and supporters, to rally behind Ewor and the newly constituted state executive.

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The PDP’s statement commended the efforts of the Rivers State chapter for working together with the Ewor-led executive to ensure the party’s continued success.

It is clear that the party sees this unity as essential for ensuring the stability of the PDP in Rivers, a state where political dynamics can shift rapidly due to the influence of powerful local figures like Wike and Fubara.

The PDP has also urged the Ewor-led executive to continue collaborating with Governor Fubara in his governance efforts.

This call for harmony within the party is particularly significant as Fubara’s leadership and his delivery of good governance are seen as central to the party’s ongoing success in the state.

The national leadership’s endorsement of Fubara’s governance is a clear signal that the PDP wants to ensure that internal conflicts do not derail the progress made in the state.

Fubara, despite his rivalry with Wike, is expected to lead the party’s efforts in fulfilling its promises to the people of Rivers State in line with the PDP’s broader manifesto and policy objectives.

The effects of the Wike-Fubara crisis on Rivers State’s democracy cannot be overstated.

Political divisions such as those between Wike and Fubara undermine the ability of state governments to function smoothly and deliver services to citizens.

When political leaders prioritize personal ambitions and internal party struggles over the common good, it can lead to governance paralysis, weakening the democratic institutions that are supposed to represent the will of the people.

The PDP’s internal rift in Rivers highlights a larger issue within Nigeria’s democratic system, where party loyalty and personal interests often take precedence over the public’s interest.

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The ongoing crisis also points to the importance of party discipline and adherence to democratic principles.

Political parties, as fundamental actors in any democracy, are tasked with providing a platform for citizens to engage in the political process and ensuring the proper functioning of government.

When parties are embroiled in internal conflict, it reflects poorly on the broader democratic system and can deter citizen participation.

The PDP’s response to the court’s ruling in Rivers State, while seen as an attempt to ensure stability, is also a test of the party’s commitment to democratic values.

In the long run, the way the PDP handles the leadership crisis in Rivers will have significant repercussions for the party’s future in the state and the country at large.

If the party can effectively manage its internal divisions and present a united front, it could maintain its hold on political power in Rivers State.

However, if the conflict between Fubara and Wike continues to fester, it may result in long-term damage to the party’s reputation and its ability to win elections.

Ultimately, the resolution of the PDP’s crisis in Rivers State is crucial not only for the party but also for the health of democracy in Nigeria.

Political infighting and disputes over control of party structures can have a damaging effect on democratic institutions and the public’s trust in governance.

As the PDP moves forward, it will need to find ways to reconcile its internal differences and work towards a united vision that serves the interests of the people of Rivers State, ensuring that democracy remains robust and functional in the face of political challenges.


For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

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