Wike’s Loyalists to Appeal Court’s Nullification of PDP Congresses
The Rivers State faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, has strongly condemned the judgment delivered by Justice Stephen Jumbo of the Rivers State High Court, which nullified its congresses. Describing the ruling as a “kangaroo judgment,” the faction made it clear that they would not accept the decision.
Wike’s Loyalists to Appeal Court’s Nullification of PDP Congresses
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Rivers PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr. Kenneth Yowika, confirmed that the party was already reviewing the judgment with the intention to file an appeal. Justice Jumbo’s ruling, issued on January 13, 2025, declared the Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses held on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024, as invalid. The court also restrained the newly elected executives, led by Aaron Chukwuemeka, from operating as the legitimate party leaders in the state.
Rivers PDP Challenges Court’s Ruling on 2024 Congresses, Vows to Seek Justice
Despite the setback, the pro-Wike faction of the PDP insists that the congresses were conducted in accordance with legal requirements. Yowika pointed to a previous ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which granted the party the green light to proceed with the congresses. Justice Lifu’s ruling had also prevented disruptions by external bodies such as the police and the Department of State Services, ensuring that the congresses proceeded as planned.
Pro-Wike PDP Faction Remains Defiant After Court Ruling, Plans Appeal
Yowika emphasized that the congresses followed a specific timetable and adhered to the party’s guidelines, which had been approved by the court. He also noted that only those who submitted nomination forms within the prescribed deadline were allowed to contest. The Chukwuemeka-led faction, which supported the application leading to Justice Lifu’s favorable ruling, is confident that the legal process will support their position moving forward. In response to the Port Harcourt High Court judgment, Yowika reassured party members to stay calm, stressing that the matter would be taken to a higher court for resolution.
