Rivers PDP power shift: Turaki-led faction collapses into Wike-aligned camp

A major realignment has occurred within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, as the Tanimu Turaki–led leadership structure formally collapsed into the Aaron Chukwuemeka–led faction, which is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The announcement was made on Friday by Robinson Nname Ewor, the factional chairman of the Turaki-led PDP in Rivers State, during Wike’s visit to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area as part of his ongoing local government engagements in the state.

Ewor’s declaration effectively signals the end of parallel party leadership structures in the state PDP, a development widely seen as strengthening Wike’s political grip on the party’s affairs in Rivers State.

Speaking before party members and supporters, Ewor openly acknowledged his role as chairman of the faction aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, before announcing his decision to relinquish that position and merge fully with the Wike-backed leadership.

“Finally before I go, I’m Sim’s PDP Chairman. I hope you people know. You people should know. I’m his chairman,” Ewor said.

“Today, I’m handing over that chairmanship, leadership of that faction to Aaron Chukwuemeka.

“PDP is no longer factionalized in Rivers State. PDP is under one chairman and under one leadership, under the FCT leader.”

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His remarks were greeted with cheers from supporters of the Wike-aligned faction, underscoring the political significance of the move.

The collapse of the Turaki-led structure comes just a day after Ewor publicly criticised Governor Fubara, accusing him of misleading PDP members in Rivers State.

During a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Ewor alleged that the governor falsely claimed he had the political capacity to defeat Wike in the ongoing power struggle within the state.

The development raises fresh questions about the political isolation of the Fubara camp within the Rivers PDP and the future of those who aligned with the Turaki-led faction.

With Ewor’s declaration, the PDP in Rivers State now effectively operates under a single leadership structure, loyal to Wike, marking a significant consolidation of power ahead of future political contests.

Political observers say the move could have far-reaching implications for party unity, internal democracy, and the balance of power in Rivers State, especially as tensions between Wike and Governor Fubara continue to shape the state’s political landscape.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official reaction from Governor Fubara or the national leadership of the PDP to the collapse of the Turaki-led faction.