Wike, Fubara Rivalry Heats Up as PDP Struggles for Control in Rivers

The political landscape of Rivers State is currently embroiled in a fierce power struggle between two key factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by former Governor Nyesom Wike and his estranged successor, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara. This latest clash comes on the heels of a significant court ruling that resulted in the ousting of the Aaron Chukwuemeka-led PDP state executive committee, a group loyal to Wike.

On January 13, 2025, a High Court in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Stephen Jumbo, issued a restraining order, barring the Chukwuemeka-led PDP state executive from continuing to operate. The ruling, which was a result of an interlocutory injunction filed by a group of legal practitioners, has paved the way for Fubara’s camp to attempt a takeover of the party’s state leadership. Robinson Ewor, the chairman of the PDP in Rivers West Senatorial District and an ally of Fubara, swiftly declared himself the acting state chairman and moved to assert control over the party’s secretariat.

In response, Wike’s supporters, including the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, rallied in support of Chukwuemeka and the existing leadership. Amaewhule led members of the Assembly to the party secretariat for a solidarity visit, where they reiterated their loyalty to Wike and praised the leadership of Chukwuemeka. The Speaker emphasised that the visit was a new year gesture and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to the PDP, stressing that the party would emerge victorious in future elections under Chukwuemeka’s leadership.

Chukwuemeka, for his part, addressed the growing tensions, holding a press conference to clarify the position of his faction. He dismissed claims that his executive committee was no longer in power, insisting that the court ruling against his leadership was not enforceable. Chukwuemeka also criticized Fubara’s camp, accusing them of creating a parallel PDP in the state and undermining the legitimacy of his leadership.

As the rivalry intensifies, Ewor’s faction has vowed to uphold the supremacy of the PDP and work towards resolving the factional crisis. Ewor announced plans to set up a disciplinary committee to address allegations of anti-party activities, particularly in relation to the 2023 general elections.