Gov Fubara, Rivers State PDP, Shun Ibadan National Convention

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Strong indications have emerged that the Rivers state Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Rivers state chapter of the embattled Peoples Democratic party, PDP may be conspicuously absent at the Ibadan National Convention of the party.

The Source reports that the party despite a plethora of disagreements, and discordant tones among major stakeholders and conflicting legal pronouncements,  has insisted that the November 15 and 16, Convention must go ahead as scheduled.

But in an apparent difference to the notice put out by the Nyesom Wike-backed Muhammad Abdulraham led faction calling for a boycott, the Rivers state chapter has affirmed that it will not be attending the Convention.

In a letter jointly issued by state executive committee members, several Local Government officials, and major stakeholders, the party cited an alleged break down in communication between the national body and the state chapter, and the sidling of Governor’ Fubara from the activities leading up to the Convention as part of the reasons for its action.

The party expressed serious regret and deep concern over the decision of the National Executive Committee and the Organizing Committee to shut out both Rivers state Governor and the entire party leadership from the preparations for the Convention.

According to the disclaimer issued, the state chapter informed that the National body and the organizing Committee failed and neglected to establish any formal channel of communication with both the leader of the party in the state – Governor Fubara and the state executives concerning the conduct of the Convention.

This is as  the party vehemently protested and rejected the inclusion of the names and photographs of some principal officers of the state chapter of the party, including that of Governor Fubara in the brochure for the Convention without prior consultations, and their consents

To this end, the party said it has unanimously resolved to boycott the said Convention to press home it’s poor treatment by the National body.

“That there was no proper communication channel between the National leadership of the party and our leader, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers state which has consequently left us incommunicado.

“We were neither consulted, nor was approval sought or obtained before our names and photographs appeared in the brochure of the proposed Ibadan National Convention of the party.

“In view of the above, we therefore unanimously resolved to not participate in the forthcoming National Convention scheduled to be held on the 15th and 16th of November, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo state.

It will be recalled that  the factional leadership of the party led by Acting National Chairman, Muhammad. had on Thursday November 13, 2025 called on delegates from the 36 state chapters of the PDP,  including the Federal Capital Territory FCT to separately and collectively boycott the Ibadan National Convention, describing it as both illegal and a mere jamboree.

Rising from an emergency meeting in Abuja, the factional NEC, accused the Ilia Damagun -led National Working Committee, NWC of flagrant disregard for valid court orders and abuse of the party’s constitution.

“We are concerned with moving the PDP forward. Therefore, all delegates should stay away from the Ibadan Convention, and wait for the right time.  We will continue to mobilize for a strong, and united party anchored on justice and legality,” the faction stated