Introduction to the Crisis
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that it will boycott the party’s forthcoming National Convention, citing a breakdown in communication and deepening leadership crisis within the party.
Breakdown in Communication
In a disclaimer jointly signed by several state executives and local government party chairmen, the Rivers PDP accused the national leadership of sidelining the state chapter led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. According to the statement, the national leadership failed to establish any proper communication channel with the state delegation, leaving them “incommunicado” ahead of the convention.
Unapproved Inclusion in Convention Brochure
The party also expressed anger over the inclusion of their names and photographs in the brochure for the proposed Ibadan National Convention without their knowledge or consent. This move was seen as a further disregard for the state chapter’s autonomy and leadership.
Decision to Boycott the Convention
As a result, the Rivers State PDP said it has unanimously resolved not to participate in the National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The statement read in part: “That there was no proper communication channel between the national leadership of the party and our leader, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, which has consequently left us incommunicado. We were neither consulted nor was approval sought or obtained before our names and photographs appeared in the brochure of the proposed Ibadan National Convention of the party.”
Reaffirmation of Loyalty
Despite the boycott, the statement reaffirmed the chapter’s loyalty to Governor Fubara, declaring him the undisputed leader of the party in the state. This move underscores the deep divisions within the party and the strong stance of the Rivers State chapter.
Wider Party Crisis
Meanwhile, the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) worsened as the faction led by Acting National Chairman, Muhammad Abdulrahman, announced a boycott of the party’s national convention scheduled for Ibadan, declaring it illegal and unconstitutional. The Abdulrahman-led faction, backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and several National Working Committee (NWC) members, met in Abuja and resolved to shun the Ibadan gathering, accusing the Umar Damagum-led group of “brazen disregard for valid court judgments” and “flagrant abuse of the PDP constitution.”
Call for Unity and Legality
Abdulrahman urged delegates and members across the 36 states and the FCT to stay away from the convention, stressing that the PDP must operate strictly within the boundaries of the law. “We are concerned with moving the PDP forward,” he said. “Therefore, all delegates should stay away from the Ibadan convention and wait for the right time. We will continue to mobilise for a strong and united party anchored on justice and legality.” FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who attended the meeting, accused the Damagum group of undermining democracy through disregard for the judiciary.
Conclusion
The crisis within the PDP, as highlighted by the boycotts announced by the Rivers State chapter and the Abdulrahman-led faction, points to deep-seated issues of communication, leadership, and adherence to the party’s constitution and legal judgments. The path forward for the party will require addressing these issues to restore unity and legality, ensuring that the PDP can move forward in a strong and united manner.
FAQs
- Q: Why is the Rivers State chapter of the PDP boycotting the National Convention?
A: The Rivers State chapter is boycotting due to a breakdown in communication with the national leadership and the unauthorized inclusion of their names and photographs in the convention brochure. - Q: Who is leading the faction that also announced a boycott of the convention?
A: The faction is led by Acting National Chairman, Muhammad Abdulrahman, and is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, among others. - Q: What are the grounds for the boycott announced by the Abdulrahman-led faction?
A: The faction accuses the Umar Damagum-led group of disregarding valid court judgments and abusing the PDP constitution, making the convention illegal and unconstitutional. - Q: What is the stance of the Rivers State chapter regarding Governor Siminalayi Fubara?
A: The chapter reaffirms its loyalty to Governor Fubara, declaring him the undisputed leader of the party in the state.
