January 13, (THEWILL) – A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party congresses in the state, effectively removing Aaron Chukwuemeka as the party’s chairman.
Delivering the ruling on Monday, Justice Stephen Jumbo granted an interlocutory injunction restraining Chukwuemeka and other executives who emerged from the disputed congresses from acting in any capacity as officials of the PDP in Rivers State.
The case was brought before the court by two legal practitioners, Edwin Woko and Love Otuonye, along with two other aggrieved PDP members.
They had sued the National Chairman of the PDP, the State Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, and nine others, challenging the legality of the ward, local government, and state congresses conducted on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024.
The plaintiffs argued that the congresses violated a court order issued on July 16, 2024, which restrained the PDP, its National Chairman, and the Independent National Electoral Commission from conducting congresses pending the determination of an originating summons already filed before the court.
Justice Jumbo ruled that the congresses were conducted in flagrant disobedience of the court’s injunction and, as such, were illegal and void.
In his ruling, the judge granted all the prayers of the applicants and restrained Chukwuemeka and others from parading themselves as members of the PDP State Executive Committee.
This development is the latest in a series of legal disputes that have plagued the PDP in Rivers State, further complicating the party’s preparations for upcoming political activities.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
