A Rivers State High Court has sacked Chukwuemeka Aaron, the pro-Wike chairman of the PDP, citing irregularities in the party’s congresses. This ruling marks a major shakeup in Rivers State politics.
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has nullified the tenure of Chukwuemeka Aaron, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. The court ruling, delivered on Monday by Justice Stephen Jumbo, declared the party’s ward, local government, and state congresses held in July 2024 invalid, citing irregularities in their conduct.
The ousted chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron, is a known loyalist of Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This development marks a significant blow to the influence of Wike within the state’s political landscape.
The court’s ruling stems from a dispute over the legitimacy of the congresses conducted by a faction of the PDP loyal to Wike. Justice Charles Wali of a Rivers State High Court had, on July 20, 2024, issued an order stopping the congresses. However, the party’s leadership went ahead with the process, leading to this legal setback.
This is the second time in recent weeks that Rivers State politics has faced turbulence. Barely a month ago, another High Court ruling nullified the congresses of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, sacking Chief Tony Okocha, another Wike ally, as APC chairman.
The nullification of the PDP congresses highlights growing internal tensions and factional battles within the party. It also raises questions about the political future of Wike’s loyalists in the state, as the opposition continues to face similar challenges.
Legal experts believe this ruling could lead to a significant restructuring of the PDP’s leadership in Rivers State, potentially altering the party’s dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.
