Rivers PDP Shuns Ibadan Convention, Accuses National Leadership of Sidestepping Fubara

 

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State have dissociated themselves from the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Their position was conveyed in a statement jointly signed by key members of the state executive committee and local government chairmen, including Kingsley Waite, Tombari Sydney Gbara, Victor Pepple, Otamiri John Ngubo and Ejekwu Princewill.

The Rivers PDP leaders cited deepening national leadership disputes as the reason for their boycott, saying the crisis had fractured several state chapters and created widespread uncertainty.

According to the statement, the cluster of court cases and counter-litigations surrounding the convention had further worsened the situation, leaving the state chapter “incommunicado” due to what they described as a breakdown in communication between the national leadership and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

They said neither the governor nor the state party structures were consulted before their names and photographs were included in the convention brochure.

“In view of the foregoing, we unanimously resolve not to participate in the national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan,” the statement read.

The leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to Governor Fubara, insisting he remains the undisputed leader of the PDP in Rivers State.

Background

The PDP has been enmeshed in conflicting court orders regarding its 2025 elective national convention. An Oyo State High Court recently permitted the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) to proceed with preparations, while another high court in Abuja restrained the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from going ahead with the exercise.

A faction led by Sam Anyanwu later announced a postponement of the convention, but the Damagum group dismissed that announcement and insisted the event would go on.

Despite the legal tussle, preparations have reportedly commenced at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, where the convention is expected to hold.