The Rivers State High Court, on Monday, delivered a landmark judgment nullifying the congresses allegedly supported by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The court also restrained the Rivers State executive committee (SEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from managing the party’s affairs, specifically barring Aaron Chukwuemeka from acting as chairman.

The decision followed a legal challenge filed by PDP members Edwin Woko, Love Otuonye, and two others, who contested the validity of the congresses held across 319 wards and 23 local government areas (LGAs) in August 2024. The plaintiffs argued that the congresses violated a prior court order issued in July 2024, which prohibited the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting such exercises. Justice Stephen Jumbo, presiding over the case, declared the congresses null and void, recognizing the plaintiffs as the legitimate members of the PDP’s Rivers State executive committee. The court directed the party’s national leadership to formally acknowledge their status.

In response, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had accepted the judgment. He announced that the Nname Robinson Ewor-led SEC is now the recognized leadership of the PDP in Rivers State.

Ologunagba praised the court’s decision, highlighting its alignment with the PDP’s commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and adherence to the rule of law. He called on party members and stakeholders in Rivers State to support the Ewor-led SEC to ensure unity, stability, and growth. He also urged the leadership to strengthen the party’s cohesion and continue delivering democratic dividends under Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

The judgment marks a significant shift in the PDP’s governance structure in Rivers State, reinforcing its dedication to democratic principles.