A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has rejected an ex parte application seeking to restrain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Rivers State, Aaron Chukwuemeka, and members of his executive from parading themselves as party leaders. The application was filed by Edwin Woko, Nelson Dike, and two other party members.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Stephen Jumbo declined the motion and directed the plaintiffs to serve notice on Chukwuemeka, the PDP National Chairman, and other respondents. The court ordered the defendants to appear and justify why the motion should not be granted. The case was subsequently adjourned to December 10, 2024, for a hearing on the substantive motion.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Bruno Mbaeri, counsel for the plaintiffs, outlined the legal basis for the application. He stressed the importance of resolving the leadership dispute to ensure the party adheres to its rules.
Edwin Woko, one of the plaintiffs, alleged that PDP stakeholders in Rivers State had inaugurated an interim leadership structure on September 28, 2024. According to Woko, this structure, comprising himself, Erien Naikachep Maurice, Nelson Ndubuisi, and Nyebuchi Dike, was meant to oversee party affairs until an inclusive congress could be held. Woko claimed the tenure of the Chukwuemeka-led executive had expired and that its election violated a court order, rendering it illegitimate.
“Our application before Justice Jumbo is explicit,” Woko said. “We are seeking to restrain Aaron Chukwuemeka and his team from continuing to act as the executive of Rivers State PDP. My team, led by me, is the valid and authentic executive. It is time for Chukwuemeka and his group to step aside and allow the party to breathe fresh air.”
The leadership tussle within the Rivers State PDP highlights ongoing internal conflicts as party members contest for control of its administrative framework. The court’s decision on the matter is eagerly awaited by all stakeholders.
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