PDP Purge in Rivers State: Caretaker Chairman Suspended in Widening Rift with Wike Faction
PORT HARCOURT – The internal crisis rocking Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has escalated dramatically in its crucial Rivers State chapter. In a decisive move signaling a deepening factional war, the state’s Caretaker Committee has suspended its own chairman, Dr. Nname Ewor, for alleged alignment with the expelled former governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
A Swift Removal and a Clear Message
Following an emergency meeting on Saturday, January 3, 2026, the committee announced the immediate suspension of Dr. Ewor from both his leadership role and his party membership. The committee’s Secretary, Ogbam Ojimah, who has now assumed the role of Acting Chairman, stated that Ewor’s public conduct and statements amounted to a voluntary resignation from his post.
“Through his actions and statements, Dr. Ewor has voluntarily resigned as Caretaker Chairman,” Ojimah declared to journalists. The committee’s resolution was unequivocal: “No dealings should be made with him in this capacity.” Dr. Baribefu Fidunko was appointed as the new Acting Secretary.
The Core Offense: Liaising with an Expelled Force
The suspension hinges on a single, powerful accusation: fraternizing with a political adversary deemed persona non grata. The PDP’s national leadership had previously expelled Nyesom Wike, a figure who continues to wield immense influence in Rivers politics despite his defection to the ruling party. The state caretaker committee’s action is a direct enforcement of that expulsion at the grassroots level.
“It is important to remind the public that Hon. Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike has been expelled from the party and has no right to interfere in PDP affairs,” Ojimah emphasized, drawing a firm line in the sand. This statement is less a reminder and more a strategic declaration of loyalty to the PDP’s national chairman, Dr. Kabiru Turaki, and a rejection of Wike’s lingering shadow over the party’s state apparatus.
Analysis: A Strategic Purge Ahead of Electoral Battles
This is not merely a disciplinary action; it is a high-stakes political maneuver with significant implications. Rivers State remains a pivotal battleground in Nigerian politics, rich in both resources and votes. By suspending Ewor, the PDP’s caretaker faction is attempting a surgical removal of perceived Wike loyalists to consolidate control and present a unified front.
The move serves two immediate purposes: First, it publicly reaffirms the authority of the national party structure over a rebellious and influential former member. Second, it aims to cleanse the state leadership of elements whose allegiance might be divided, especially as the party prepares for future elections. The committee’s stated goal of “strengthening our party for competitive elections” underscores this preemptive strike.
The Broader Context: A Party Struggling for Cohesion
This incident in Rivers State is a microcosm of the PDP’s broader challenges. Since its loss at the national level, the party has grappled with internal dissent, defections, and leadership tussles. The forceful expulsion of a figure of Wike’s stature was always likely to create violent aftershocks at the state level, particularly in his home turf. The suspension of Ewor is one of the most visible tremors yet, revealing the ongoing struggle to define the party’s identity and leadership post-Wike.
The critical question now is whether this purge will indeed strengthen the party or further fracture it, potentially pushing more members sympathetic to Wike towards the exits. The appointment of an acting chairman from within the committee suggests a desire for continuity, but the underlying tensions remain far from resolved.
This report is based on information first reported by The Independent Nigeria.