Rivers PDP leadership in turmoil: Court dismantles Wike-led faction

DDM News

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has nullified the chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, removing Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron and other party executives.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Stephen Jumbo, also invalidated the ward, local government, and state congresses conducted by the PDP in Rivers State in July 2024.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that this decision stemmed from a legal dispute over the legitimacy of the congresses, which were organized by a faction loyal to Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

These congresses were controversial, with certain party members in Rivers State contesting their validity and alleging procedural irregularities.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s allies, who are at odds with Wike, were reportedly sidelined during the Rivers PDP congresses, exacerbating tensions within the party.

In July 2024, a State High Court presided over by Justice Charles Wali issued a restraining order prohibiting the PDP from proceeding with the ward, local government, and state congresses in Rivers.

Despite this, the PDP’s national leadership disregarded the court order and sanctioned the congresses.

The controversy surrounding the Rivers PDP congresses highlights the ongoing power struggle between factions loyal to Governor Fubara and those aligned with Wike.

The court’s recent decision invalidating the congresses further escalates the conflict within the party, raising questions about its internal unity and future leadership in Rivers State.

This legal battle within the PDP mirrors a similar situation in the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Less than a month ago, another High Court nullified the ward, local government, and state congresses of the APC, which had produced Chief Tony Okocha as the state chairman.

The APC congresses also faced allegations of exclusion and irregularities, leading to their nullification.

Both cases underscore the deepening internal crises within the major political parties in Rivers, as power struggles and factionalism threaten their organizational stability.

As these disputes continue to play out in courtrooms, they pose significant challenges to the parties’ ability to present a united front in upcoming elections.

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