The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected the national convention held in Ibadan, citing the event as unlawful and its resolutions as unenforceable. In a statement, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Kenneth Yowika, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for not participating in the convention, noting that the commission’s action demonstrated its commitment to due process and democratic norms.
The controversy surrounding the convention stems from two Federal High Court orders that restrained the PDP from conducting the event. Despite these orders, a separate High Court in Ibadan permitted the convention to proceed. The PDP went ahead with electing new national officials and dissolving certain state executive committees, a move that the Rivers State chapter has dismissed as a “sham.” Yowika criticized the party’s blatant defiance of valid court orders, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s refusal to participate showed respect for the rule of law.
The Rivers PDP has expressed confidence that the convention will ultimately be nullified by the courts, citing that the matter is already sub judice at the Court of Appeal. The party has urged its members to remain steadfast and trust the judicial process, stating that it rests its faith solely on the judiciary. This development highlights the ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP, which have been marked by court battles and power struggles.
The rejection of the convention by the Rivers State chapter is significant, as it underscores the deep-seated divisions within the party. The PDP’s national leadership will likely face challenges in implementing the resolutions from the convention, given the legal uncertainties surrounding the event. As the matter unfolds, the party’s members and supporters will be watching closely to see how the judiciary resolves the issue. The outcome will have implications for the party’s internal dynamics and its preparations for future elections.
