PDP Denies Endorsing Court Ruling on Rivers Crisis, Disowns Ologunagba’s Statement

The internal crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened, as Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum clarified that the National Working Committee (NWC) has not officially discussed or accepted the recent court ruling on the Rivers State executive leadership. This contradicts a statement made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, dismissed Ologunagba’s claims, describing them as personal opinions rather than the official stance of the party.

Background of the Crisis

The prolonged dispute over the PDP structure in Rivers State stems from a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Despite various reconciliation attempts, Wike’s faction dominated the Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses held on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024, while Fubara’s supporters boycotted the process, citing a court order.

On January 13, 2025, the Rivers State High Court issued an injunction barring the executive committee led by Aaron Chukwuemeka, who is aligned with Wike, from performing official duties. The ruling also prohibited these executives from representing the PDP in the state.

Following this, Ologunagba released a statement on Thursday, asserting that the PDP had accepted the court’s decision and now recognized Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor’s faction, which supports Governor Fubara, as the legitimate State Executives.

PDP Leadership Rejects Ologunagba’s Claims

However, in a swift reaction, Abdullahi refuted Ologunagba’s statement, insisting that the NWC had not met or made any decisions regarding the Rivers PDP executive.

“In light of recent events, it has become evident that the party is uncomfortable with some of Ologunagba’s public pronouncements,” Abdullahi said.

He added, “His assertion that the NWC accepted the court ruling on the Rivers State Congresses is entirely false. The NWC has not convened since September last year, and this can be verified. Therefore, it is misleading to suggest that the committee met and adopted the verdict.”

Abdullahi also accused Ologunagba of making similar unauthorized statements regarding legal rulings in Imo and Ebonyi States, emphasizing that a National Publicity Secretary cannot issue such statements without prior approval.

Concerns Over Ologunagba’s Conduct

Criticizing Ologunagba’s approach, Abdullahi remarked, “A Publicity Secretary is not authorized to act independently. He must seek clearance before speaking on behalf of the NWC. His actions indicate a disregard for protocol, which is unbecoming, especially for someone with a legal background.”

He further alleged that personal interests may have influenced Ologunagba’s recent statements, warning that such actions undermine party unity.

Efforts by journalists to reach Ologunagba for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages.