By John Audu.
In a recent ruling by the Port Harcourt division of the Rivers State High Court, the state executives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka have been barred from functioning as the party’s Exco. This decision, handed down by Justice Stephen Jumbo, invalidates the PDP local government and ward congresses conducted last year by pro-Wike supporters.
The ruling, which was in response to a case filed by two legal practitioners and PDP members, declared the congresses conducted on the 27th of July, 10th of August, and 31st of August as null and void. The court held that these activities were conducted in disobedience to a previous court order issued on the 16th of July 2024.
This development is seen as a setback for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in his ongoing political battle in Rivers State with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. It follows a similar ruling last year that nullified the ward, local government, and state executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
As a result of the ruling, the embattled PDP chairman and his team are prohibited from representing the party in any capacity until further notice. This decision has caused a stir among political observers and has raised questions about the future of the party leadership in the state.
