PDP Defies Court Orders, Holds Ward Congresses in Rivers

On Friday, July 26, 2024, a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt issued a restraining order against the PDP, its National Chairman Iliya Umar Damagum, and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

The order barred the party and its representatives from holding ward, local government, and state congresses in Rivers State until a suit filed by bona fide party members from various wards in the 23 local government areas was resolved.

Justice Charles Wali, who issued the restraining order, instructed the Inspector General of Police, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enforce the order. The case was adjourned to August 1, 2024, for further hearing.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja directed the PDP in Rivers State to proceed with its ward, local government, and state congresses. Justice Peter Lifu’s ruling barred the DSS, the Police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and seven others from stopping the congresses. The congresses aim to elect new officers to manage the PDP’s affairs at various levels in Rivers State.

Prior to Justice Lifu’s ruling, a Rivers State High Court had also restrained the PDP, its national chairman, national financial secretary, and national organizing secretary from holding the congresses scheduled for July 27, 2024. This order was issued by Justice Sobere Hambo in response to an ex parte application by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, David Omereji, and 10 others.

Justice Wali’s order was the latest to attempt to halt the congresses in the state.