The crisis within the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reached a boiling point on Thursday as police blocked access to the party’s secretariat on Aba Road in Port Harcourt. The move followed escalating tensions between two rival factions, both laying claim to the leadership of the party in the state.
The dispute stems from a Rivers State High Court ruling on Monday, which nullified the party’s 2024 ward, local government, and state congresses. The court decision effectively dissolved the previously elected executive committee, paving the way for an Acting Executive Committee to stake its claim.
Reports indicated that the Acting Committee had planned to assume control of the secretariat, leading to police intervention to prevent potential unrest.
Despite the suspension of the planned takeover, tensions remained high. Crowds of supporters from both factions gathered at the secretariat, creating a charged atmosphere. According to Channels TV, the division has deepened, with both groups holding separate press conferences to assert their authority.
Aaron Chukwuemeka, leader of the dissolved executive committee, voiced his concerns about the growing number of court cases involving the party. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to step in and promote peace within the party.
Meanwhile, PDP State Legal Adviser Kingsley Chuku (SAN) said the party would challenge the court ruling once the official records became available.
On the other side, Robinson Nname-Ewor, Acting Chairman of the PDP, announced the suspension of the secretariat takeover to prevent an escalation of the crisis. He also outlined demands for resolving the issues, including reinstating leadership under Governor Fubara and officially recognising the Acting Executive Committee.
Nname-Ewor further revealed plans to establish a disciplinary committee to investigate alleged anti-party activities tied to the 2023 general elections.
Accusations have also flown between the factions. Chukwuemeka and Chuku alleged that members of the Acting Executive were loyal to the All People’s Party, questioning their legitimacy to lead the PDP.
