The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially embraced a court ruling that has thrown into disarray the congresses held in Rivers State in 2024.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, the Rivers State High Court ruled against the congresses allegedly backed by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The court has not only invalidated these congresses but has also restrained the state executive committee (SEC) of the PDP from managing the party’s affairs, particularly prohibiting Aaron Chukwuemeka from acting as chairman.
This ruling stems from a legal challenge brought forth by PDP members Edwin Woko and Love Otuonye, alongside two other plaintiffs, who questioned the validity of the congresses that took place across 319 wards and 23 local government areas (LGAs) in August 2024. The challengers argued convincingly that these congresses breached a prior court order from July 2024, which prohibited both the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with such exercises.
Justice Stephen Jumbo, presiding over the case, upheld the petitioners’ calls for justice, declaring the congresses null and void. The court recognised the plaintiffs as the legitimate members of the PDP’s Rivers State executive committee and directed the national leadership of the party to acknowledge their status.
In the wake of this ruling, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba issued a statement on Thursday confirming that the party’s NWC has accepted the decision. He announced that the Nname Robinson Ewor-led SEC is now recognised as the legitimate leadership of the PDP in Rivers State, bringing a new chapter to the party’s governance in the region.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) @OfficialPDPNig acknowledges receipt, 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 judgement 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 NWC commends the decision of the court which reaffirms the famed position of the PDP as the bastion of transparency in the due process of internal democracy and strict adherence to the Rule of Law and Party Guidelines in the conduct of Congresses and other activities.
“The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders, members and supporters of our Party in Rivers State and the nation to work with the Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor-led Rivers State Executive to ensure the unity, stability, growth and continuous success of the PDP in Rivers State.
“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 NWC commends all members of the PDP in Rivers State for their steadfastness and unshaken belief in the ideals of the Party as a truly democratic and all-inclusive Party guided only by the collective Will, yearning and aspiration of the people.
