Kehinde Fajobi
The Acting Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has pledged to investigate alleged anti-party activities involving members, particularly during the 2023 general elections.
At a press briefing on Thursday, the committee revealed plans to form a disciplinary panel, emphasising that sanctions, including suspensions or expulsions, could be recommended regardless of the individual’s influence or status.
Acting State Chairman Robinson Nname-Ewor said the committee is committed to rebuilding the party in Rivers State, which he described as “battered, with hope lost across the state.”
He stated, “Under our leadership, we shall immediately commence steps toward healing and rebuilding our once-great Party.
“We shall consult all critical stakeholders, unite members, and work with them to restore the already lost hope. We shall embark on a sensitisation tour across the 23 LGAs and initiate a membership drive to boost the Party’s population for future elections.”
He added, “In the coming days, we shall set up a disciplinary committee to address issues of anti-party activities, particularly during the 2023 General Elections and beyond.
“Those found wanting shall be appropriately disciplined, including but not limited to suspension, dismissal, and sanctions recognised by the Party.”
The acting committee also outlined conditions for the PDP’s continued existence in Rivers, including full recognition of its leadership by the party’s National Secretariat.
The leadership dispute stems from a Rivers State High Court ruling on January 13, 2025, which nullified the congresses that produced the Aaron Chukwuemeka-led executive.
The court declared the congresses invalid due to a prior order barring their conduct.
Nname-Ewor explained, “The original State Executive Committee, whose tenure ended in June/July 2024, has assumed leadership of the Party in an acting capacity. This follows a well-publicised press conference on January 15, 2025.
“The State Executive Committee is now being led by me, High Chief Nname Robinson Ewor, as Acting Chairman, and Field Nkor as Acting Secretary, alongside other members.”
While the acting committee initially planned to reclaim the PDP State Secretariat at 23 Aba Road on Thursday, security concerns prompted a suspension of the takeover.
“In a very recent development, security agencies, aware of our position to reclaim the Party Secretariat, have advised that we halt the process to maintain peace.
“They are currently at the Party Secretariat to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order,” Nname-Ewor said.
He appealed to party supporters and faithful to remain calm, assuring them that the committee is taking steps to assume control of the secretariat.