Chaos erupted in Port Harcourt on Thursday when police officers blocked access to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat along Aba Road. This action came after reports emerged that the newly formed Acting Executive Committee, established following a court ruling that nullified the previous executive, was preparing to seize control of the secretariat. Although the takeover was eventually suspended, both factions remain locked in a fierce power struggle, with each side holding separate press briefings to assert dominance.
Why It Matters
Meanwhile, party loyalists flooded the secretariat, further intensifying the already tense atmosphere. The Aaron Chukwuemeka-led executive, recently restrained by a state High Court, voiced frustration over the party’s endless legal battles. In response, Chukwuemeka urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to intervene and restore peace within the party. However, the party’s Legal Adviser, Kingsley Chuku (SAN), admitted that they had not yet received the court ruling.
Nevertheless, he confirmed that the party plans to appeal once the record of proceedings becomes available. Additionally, both Chukwuemeka and Chuku criticized the self-proclaimed Acting Executive, arguing that they lacked legal authority since they allegedly belong to the All People’s Party (APP) rather than the PDP.
On the other hand, the factional Acting Executive, led by Robinson Nname-Ewor, gathered at a different venue to reinforce their claim to party leadership. Nname-Ewor subsequently announced the suspension of their planned takeover to prevent the crisis from worsening.
However, he insisted on the immediate reinstatement of the party’s leadership under Governor Fubara and demanded formal recognition of the Acting Executive. Furthermore, he revealed plans to establish a disciplinary committee to investigate anti-party activities, particularly those linked to the 2023 general elections.
Bottom Line
Despite the temporary halt in their aggressive push for control, the deep-rooted divisions and unresolved conflicts within the PDP indicate that the crisis is far from over. Ultimately, Rivers State’s PDP remains on shaky ground, as internal power struggles continue to threaten the party’s stability and future.
