The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces escalating internal discord as a court ruling on the Rivers State executive has further fractured the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The latest crisis stems from a Rivers State High Court judgement affirming the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led faction of the party’s state executive. While the faction led by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba welcomed the ruling, Ibrahim Abdullahi, spokesperson for the Umar Damagum faction, rejected it, accusing Ologunagba of acting unilaterally.

Ologunagba stated, “The NWC acknowledges and accepts the judgment nullifying the party’s Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses in Rivers State. Consequently, we affirm the Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor-led Rivers State Executive to pilot the state chapter’s affairs in line with the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).”

In contrast, Abdullahi claimed, “The NWC has not convened since September 2024, and Ologunagba’s statements reflect personal opinions, not the committee’s position.” He further accused Ologunagba of disregarding party protocols in commenting on sensitive matters.

Adding to the tension, Abdullahi emphasised that the PDP’s Acting National Chairman and National Secretary remain committed to respecting court orders and ensuring legal representation in ongoing cases. He urged party members to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting judicial resolutions.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticised the Nigeria Police Force for alleged partisanship in the PDP crisis. HURIWA accused the police of supporting actions that undermine court rulings and professionalism, citing the illegal occupation of the PDP’s national secretariat by former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and the barricading of the Rivers State PDP secretariat following a court ruling.

The PDP’s leadership tussles continue to overshadow its efforts to position itself as a strong opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.