Rivers PDP Crisis: Pro-Wike Lawmakers Show Support For Chukwuemeka Leadership

The Pro-Nyesom Wike Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, paid a solidarity visit to the Chukwuemeka Aaron-led Rivers State Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday.

This visit comes on the heels of a planned takeover by the Robinson Ewor-led PDP, following a Rivers State High Court ruling that nullified the congresses that produced Chukwuemeka and executives at other levels.

The court ruling, delivered by Justice Stephen Jumbo on January 13, 2025, created a power vacuum that Robinson Ewor, a pro-Siminalayi Fubara faction leader, sought to fill.

Ewor announced plans to storm the PDP Secretariat and take over the party on Thursday, citing the court ruling.

However, the Chukwuemeka camp resisted, occupying the office and denying any involvement in the suit that led to their ousting.

However, Chukwuemeka, in a press conference on Thursday, alleged that the party was unaware of the suit and vowed to appeal the judgment.

He maintained that his faction is the legitimate and authentic party in the state.

Meanwhile, during the solidarity visit, Amaewhule expressed gratitude to God for bringing everyone safely into 2025 and commended the peaceful transfer of power within the party.

He praised Chukwuemeka for his exemplary leadership, saying, “You have piloted the affairs of the party with excellence, and we have no doubt in your ability to lead the PDP to victory in future elections.”

Amaewhule reaffirmed the Assembly’s loyalty to the party and Wike, describing him as a “square peg in a square hole.” He commended Wike’s exceptional performance as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In response, Chukwuemeka expressed gratitude to the Assembly Members for the visit, calling it a significant honour. He reassured them of the party’s strength and dismissed claims that they were not PDP loyalists. Chukwuemeka praised Amaewhule for his steadfast loyalty to the PDP and acknowledged the Assembly’s role in strengthening the party’s position in the state.

The visit highlights the deepening rift within the Rivers State PDP, with the pro-Wike faction solidifying their support for Chukwuemeka’s leadership.