More trouble for Wike as PDP recognizes Fubara’s men as Rivers’ legitimate executives
By KEMI KASUMU
Political relevance of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, may be heading for extinction with a new development wherein the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has recognized Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor’s faction as the legitimate state executives of the party in Rivers State.
The new development, which appears to threaten Wike’s continued controlling power in the party, was announced on Thursday January 17, 2025 after the PDP accepted verdict 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.
In the statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party said Ewor’s faction, which aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has now been accepted by its National Working Committee.
This is coming amid the lingering conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the control of the party’s structure in Rivers.
Efforts to unite Wike, Fubara and their allies failed throughout last year, as the minister’s faction emerged victorious in the congresses, while Fubara’s allies withdrew citing court injunctions.
However, on January 13, 2025, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, 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.
The ruling delivered by Justice Stephen Jumbo, disbanded the congress-elected executives and recognized the Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor-led faction as the legitimate party leaders.
Reacting to the development, the NWC commended the decision of the court, saying the judgement reaffirmed the party’s position a bastion of transparency, internal democracy, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
The statement reads in part, “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 PDP leaders called on stakeholders, members, and supporters of the party in Rivers State to work with the Ewor-led executive to ensure the unity, stability, and growth of the party in the state.
