Rivers PDP Distances Self From Wike as Caretaker Chair Is Suspended

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has announced a leadership change within its Caretaker Committee following internal disagreements linked to the ongoing political realignment in the state.

At an emergency meeting held in Port Harcourt on Saturday, the party suspended its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Robinson Ewor, citing his alleged association with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has been expelled from the party.

Party leaders said Ewor’s recent actions and public statements, including his appearance alongside Wike during the minister’s “thank you” tour of local government areas, ran contrary to the party’s position and posed a threat to its unity and survival in Rivers State.

Ewor had earlier accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of misleading PDP stakeholders during the political crisis in the state, claiming the governor created the impression he would challenge Wike’s influence before eventually abandoning the party.

He also alleged that party leaders were left politically exposed after Fubara defected to the All Progressives Congress in December 2025.

Reacting to the development, the PDP said Ewor’s conduct amounted to a voluntary relinquishment of his role, stressing that his alignment with an expelled member undermined the party’s authority and structure.

Following the suspension, the Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Chief Ogbam Ojimah, was named Acting Chairman, while Dr Baribefu Fidunko was appointed Acting Secretary.

Ojimah confirmed the decision after the meeting, pledging loyalty to the party’s national leadership under Dr Kabiru Turaki.

He emphasised that the Rivers PDP no longer recognises Ewor in any official capacity and has distanced itself from all statements and activities linked to him.

Ojimah also reiterated that Wike, having been expelled from the party, has no mandate to interfere in its affairs at either the state or national level.

The party leadership reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding and repositioning the PDP in Rivers State, assuring members and supporters that efforts are underway to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of future elections.