The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has refused to participate in the party’s ongoing national convention in Ibadan, citing leadership disputes and the exclusion of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from consultations.
In a statement signed by state executive members and local government chairpersons, including Kingsley Waite, Tombari Sydney Gbara, Victor Pepple, Otamiri John Ngubo, and Ejekwu Princewill, the Rivers PDP said the party’s national leadership had polarised state chapters and created confusion through ongoing litigations.
The statement read:
“There was no proper communication channel between the national leadership and our leader, Siminalayi Fubara, leaving us incommunicado. We were neither consulted nor was approval sought before our names and photographs appeared in the convention brochure.”
The Rivers PDP said it had “unanimously resolved” not to attend the convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025.
The national convention has been marred by conflicting court orders. While the acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, insisted the convention would proceed following an Ibadan High Court order, the Nyesom Wike/Samuel Ayanwu faction announced its cancellation.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja also ordered the PDP to suspend the convention over a suit by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who claims he was barred from contesting for the position of national chairman. The court restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising any convention without including Lamido.
Despite the legal battles, the convention continues at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
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