Rivers PDP Suspends Caretaker Chairman Over Alleged Alignment With Nyesom Wike

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has suspended its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr Robinson Ewor, over what the party described as actions and statements aligning him with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The suspension marks another significant development in the prolonged political crisis that has reshaped the party’s structure and internal cohesion in the oil-rich state.

The decision was reached at an emergency meeting of the PDP Caretaker Committee held in Port Harcourt on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Party leaders said Ewor’s conduct was capable of undermining the stability and future of the PDP in Rivers State, particularly at a time when the party is seeking to reorganise and regain political strength.

Allegations Against Ewor and the Party’s Response

Dr Ewor had recently accused Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of misleading party leaders and supporters during the height of the political crisis in the state. According to him, the governor allegedly created the impression that he was prepared to challenge the political influence of Nyesom Wike, only to abandon that stance when tensions escalated.

Ewor further claimed that PDP stakeholders were led to believe the governor was ready for a decisive political confrontation, leaving party leaders “stranded in the middle of a political sea” after Governor Fubara defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2025. These comments, party officials said, sharply contradicted the PDP’s official position and inflamed internal divisions.

The controversy deepened when Ewor was seen publicly with Wike during one of the FCT minister’s “thank you” visits to local government areas in Rivers State. The PDP leadership interpreted this appearance as a clear alignment with Wike, who had previously been expelled from the party, prompting swift disciplinary action.

Suspension and Leadership Changes in Rivers PDP

Following deliberations, the Caretaker Committee announced that Ewor had been suspended both as Chairman and as a member of the PDP in Rivers State. The party stated that, by his actions and public utterances, he had effectively relinquished his position and could no longer represent the party in any official capacity.

The Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Chief Ogbam Ojimah, was immediately appointed Acting Chairman, while Dr Baribefu Fidunko was named Acting Secretary. Ojimah disclosed these decisions after the emergency meeting, stressing that the party remained loyal to the Turaki-led national leadership of the PDP.

Ojimah also reaffirmed that Nyesom Wike remained expelled from the PDP and had no right to interfere in the party’s affairs in Rivers State. He said the state chapter had formally distanced itself from all statements and activities associated with Ewor, reiterating the party’s resolve to restore internal discipline and unity.

Party Reaffirms Commitment to Rebuilding

In a formal resolution, the Caretaker Committee emphasised its commitment to repositioning the PDP in Rivers State for competitive electioneering and effective service to the people. Party leaders said the suspension of Ewor was necessary to protect the integrity of the party and prevent further erosion of public confidence.

The PDP leadership maintained that internal discipline and loyalty to party decisions were essential as it works to overcome the fallout from recent defections and leadership disputes. With new acting officers in place, the party said it would focus on reconciliation, grassroots mobilisation, and rebuilding its political structures ahead of future elections.