The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has rejected the national convention held by the party in Ibadan on Saturday. The state chapter insists that the exercise was unlawful and that its resolutions are unenforceable.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kenneth Yowika, the Rivers PDP commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for staying away from the convention, saying the commission’s action affirmed its commitment to due process and democratic norms. The statement referenced two Federal High Court orders restraining the PDP from conducting the convention, even though a separate High Court in Ibadan had permitted it.

The party nonetheless proceeded with electing new national officials and dissolving certain state executive committees. Yowika dismissed the convention as a “sham,” criticising what he described as blatant defiance of valid court orders. He said INEC’s refusal to participate demonstrated respect for the rule of law.

The Rivers PDP maintained that the convention would ultimately be nullified by the courts and urged its members to remain steadfast and trust the judicial process.
The statement read, “The ill-advised convention cannot withstand legal scrutiny as it is already sub judice at the Court of Appeal.

“We rest our faith solely on the judiciary and urge all members to do the same.”