Tension Mounts in Rivers as Court Considers Suit to Bar Uche Secondus from PDP NEC Meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State is facing heightened tension as a lawsuit seeking to prevent former National Chairman Uche Secondus from participating in the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees meetings is set to be heard today at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The lawsuit, filed by Precious Wobosike of Ubima Ward 8 in the Ikwerre local government area, also seeks to prevent Celestine Omehia, the sacked Rivers governor, from attending the PDP’s NEC meeting.

Another lawsuit, filed by Titus Jones from Ward 5, Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area, alleges threats to his life and family following his suspension from the party.

Jones, represented by counsel Joshua Musa, SAN, is seeking an order to restrain the NEC, NWC, party chairman, secretary, and BoT from allowing Secondus to participate in any meetings until the motion on notice is heard and determined.

In a separate filing, Wobisike seeks an injunction restraining Omehia from demanding notice of meetings and from attending any party NEC gathering or participating in its activities.

Jones stated on Monday that he has received death threats from unidentified individuals since the lawsuit against Secondus was filed.

The conflict within the Rivers PDP involves Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who are engaged in a battle for control of the party. This dispute arose less than four months after Fubara’s inauguration.

Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, and others have been at odds with Wike for not supporting Atiku Abubakar, the PDP candidate in the 2023 presidential election, who lost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reportedly with support from Wike.

In recent media reports, Wike referred to Secondus and other Rivers PDP members aligning with Fubara as “expired politicians” whom he has defeated in the past and will continue to defeat.