PDP Accepts Court Ruling Nullifying Rivers State Congresses, Recognizes New Leadership
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially accepted the judgment delivered by the Rivers State High Court, which nullified the party’s 2024 congresses in the state.
In a ruling issued on Monday, January 13, 2025, the court declared that the ward, local government, and state congresses held on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024, respectively, were invalid. The court’s decision was based on a suit filed by members Edwin Woko, Love Otuonye, and two others, who challenged the congresses, arguing they violated a July 2024 court order that had barred the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting the exercises.
In response to the ruling, the NWC announced its recognition of Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor as the new leader of the Rivers State Executive Committee. Ewor is now tasked with leading the party in alignment with the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
A Step Toward Unity and Progress
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the NWC hailed the court’s judgment as a victory for transparency, internal democracy, and adherence to the rule of law. The NWC emphasized the importance of unity and called on party members, leaders, and stakeholders in Rivers State to support the Ewor-led leadership, stressing that the party’s progress depends on cohesion.
The court case arose after the claimants argued that the congresses, which took place across 319 wards and 23 local government areas and were supported by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, were conducted unlawfully. They contended that the processes violated a previous court order prohibiting such congresses.
Justice Stephen Jumbo, in his ruling, declared the congresses null and void, further ordering the removal of Aaron Chukwuemeka, the then-chairman of the Rivers PDP, from parading himself as the leader of the state chapter. The judge also affirmed the claimants’ position and recognized them as the legitimate members of the Rivers State Executive Committee.
Strengthening PDP in Rivers State
The NWC, while acknowledging the court’s decision, called for reconciliation within the party, urging the Ewor-led executive to focus on fostering unity and strengthening the PDP in Rivers State. The statement also commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy in line with the PDP’s manifesto.
“The NWC charges the Ewor-led Rivers State Executive to work hard to further unite the Party in the State so that the people of Rivers State can continue to enjoy the massive dividends of democracy as being delivered by our performing governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, in line with the manifesto and policy thrust of the PDP,” the statement read.
The NWC expressed confidence that, under the new leadership, the Rivers chapter of the PDP would emerge stronger and more united, committed to upholding the party’s democratic ideals.
