Court Rejects Rivers PDP Faction’s Ex Parte Motion to Oust State Executive

The leadership crisis within the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified as the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt refused to hear an ex parte motion seeking to restrain the state executive from functioning. The motion, filed by Edwin Woko, Nelson Dike, and two others, aimed to prevent Aaron Chukwuemeka, the PDP Chairman in Rivers State, and his team from continuing as party leaders.

Justice Stephen Jumbo directed the plaintiffs to serve notice to Chukwuemeka, the PDP National Chairman, and other involved parties, instructing them to appear in court to justify why the motion should not be granted. The case was adjourned to December 10, 2024, for further hearing.

Bruno Mbaeri, counsel for the plaintiffs, explained the legal basis for the application during a media briefing. Edwin Woko, one of the plaintiffs, claimed that key PDP stakeholders in Rivers State had inaugurated an interim leadership structure with him as chairman on September 28. According to Woko, this committee was formed to oversee party affairs until an inclusive congress is held, as the tenure of Chukwuemeka’s executive had expired.

Woko also alleged that the congress which produced Chukwuemeka’s leadership violated an existing court order, rendering it invalid. “We are seeking to restrain Aaron Chukwuemeka and his co-travelers from parading themselves as the executive committee of Rivers State PDP. My own exco, led by me, is the valid and authentic leadership of the party,” Woko asserted. He called for Chukwuemeka and his team to step aside, insisting the party required fresh leadership.

This development follows reports that the PDP in Rivers State conducted congresses despite an interim injunction barring such exercises, further fueling the internal leadership dispute.