••Ongoing Rift Between Fubara and Wike Factions Intensifies as Party Moves Forward with New Leadership
By John Audu.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially accepted the judgment of the Rivers State High Court, which nullified its Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses held on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024. This decision marks a significant shift in the party’s leadership dynamics in the state.
Recognition of Ewor Faction
In a statement released on Thursday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has recognized Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor’s faction, aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as the legitimate state executives of the party. This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over control of the party’s structure in Rivers State.
Despite several failed reconciliation attempts, Wike’s faction had previously emerged victorious in the congresses held last year, following the withdrawal of Fubara’s allies due to a court injunction.
Court Ruling Disbands Previous Executives
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, loyal to Wike, from functioning as the party’s leadership. 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.
In reaction to the verdict, Ologunagba praised the court’s decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of the PDP’s commitment to transparency and internal democracy.
Commitment to Internal Democracy
The statement from the NWC 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.”
The NWC further affirmed the Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor-led Rivers State Executive as the governing body of the PDP in the state, in accordance with the party’s constitutional provisions.
Call for Unity and Support
The NWC commended the court’s ruling for upholding the party’s principles of due process and strict adherence to internal guidelines. They urged all party members to support the Ewor-led executive, stating, “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 as the PDP navigates this new chapter in its history.
