The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accepted the judgment of the Rivers State High Court nullifying its 2024 congresses in the state.
The court, in Suit No. PHC/2301/CS/2024, delivered its verdict on Monday, January 13, 2025, invalidating the ward, local government, and state congresses held on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024, respectively.
In response, the NWC announced its recognition of Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor as the new leader of the Rivers State Executive Committee, tasked with steering the affairs of the party in line with the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
The NWC, in a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, lauded the court’s decision as a testament to the PDP’s commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and adherence to the rule of law.
It, however, urged party members, leaders, and stakeholders in Rivers State to rally behind the Ewor-led leadership to foster unity and progress.
The court ruling arose from a suit filed by Edwin Woko, Love Otuonye, and two other PDP members, challenging the validity of the congresses.
The claimants argued that the congresses violated a July 2024 court order restraining the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting the exercises.
The congresses, which took place across 319 wards and 23 local government areas, were reportedly supported by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, the claimants contended that the processes were unlawful and sought the court’s intervention to declare them null and void.
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In his ruling, Justice Stephen Jumbo nullified the congresses and restrained the state executive committee from overseeing the party’s affairs.
He also barred Aaron Chukwuemeka, the then-chairman of the Rivers PDP, from parading himself as the leader of the state chapter.
Justice Jumbo upheld the claimants’ position and recognized them as the legitimate and subsisting members of the Rivers State Executive Committee.
The NWC emphasized the importance of reconciliation and unity, urging the Ewor-led executive to work towards strengthening the party in Rivers State.
It also commended the efforts of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people, in alignment 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,” it said.
The statement appealed to all members to remain steadfast and committed to the party’s democratic ideals, expressing confidence in the ability of the Rivers chapter to emerge stronger from this development.
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