The internal crisis rocking the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Tuesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s faction declared its intention to reclaim the party’s secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
Naija News reports that the development follows a recent judgment by the Rivers State High Court, which nullified the PDP’s ward, local government, and state congresses conducted under the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
In response to the court ruling, Robinson Ewor, the Chairman of the Rivers West Senatorial District, declared himself the acting state chairman, with Dr. Felix Nkor as the acting secretary. Ewor stated that the judgment had returned the party’s leadership to its rightful members.
Ewor said, “The court barred Chukwuemeka Aaron and others from parading themselves as executives of the PDP in the state.
“This ruling restores the party to its original owners and to the leader of the party in the state, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.”
Wike’s Camp Reacts
However, Kenneth Yorwika, the Publicity Secretary of the faction loyal to Wike, dismissed Ewor’s claims, warning that any attempt to reclaim the secretariat could lead to unrest.
Yorwika said, “We have appealed the court’s decision and are awaiting the appellate court’s ruling.
“This attempt to take over the secretariat is a recipe for crisis. We are committed to ensuring peace within the party.”
Ewor accused Wike and his loyalists of manipulating party directives to extend the tenure of former executives, which he said led to the controversial congresses that brought Aaron and others to power.
He said, “The judgment clearly states that Aaron and his group are no longer members of the PDP.
“The party has been handed back to its rightful leadership under Governor Fubara. The national leadership must recognize this to restore hope in our party’s future.”
Ewor emphasized the PDP’s role as a viable opposition party, stating that reclaiming the party’s leadership in Rivers State was a step toward preparing for the 2027 general elections.
The Fubara faction urged the PDP National Executive to implement the court ruling and recognize Fubara as the party’s state leader.
Ewor added, “We must provide Nigerians with a credible alternative to the current administration.
“The court’s decision has restored faith in the PDP, and we are ready to rebuild and refocus for 2027.”
As tensions continue to simmer, the PDP in Rivers State faces the challenge of resolving its internal conflict while preparing to reclaim its position as a formidable opposition party at the national level.