On Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Port Harcourt, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, delivered a strong message to certain governors within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike, known for his influence and assertiveness in Nigerian politics, cautioned these governors against interfering with the internal structure of the Rivers State PDP. The minister’s warning is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape within the party, both at the state and national levels.
During his attendance at the Rivers PDP Congress, Wike received enthusiastic support from hundreds of party faithful, who frequently interrupted his speech with applause and chants. The former governor of Rivers State made it clear that any governor attempting to meddle in the state’s party affairs would face serious repercussions.
Wike’s message, likely directed towards the Governor of Bauchi State, suggested that any attempts to disrupt the party’s structure in Rivers would be met with strong resistance. “Let me assure you,” Wike declared, “as long as we are here, no one will take the Rivers PDP structure from us. Some governors believe they can wrest control of our party, but they are gravely mistaken.”
He continued, “I feel sorry for those governors because I will ensure that their states experience political turmoil. When you provoke unnecessary conflict, be prepared to face the consequences. Whether you’re from Bauchi or any other state, if you interfere in Rivers, you will regret it. Political peace in your state will become a distant memory.”
Wike’s comments were aimed at reinforcing his camp’s dominance within the Rivers PDP. He assured his supporters that no one could strip them of their influence within the party. The minister also accused Fubara of planning to transfer the party structure to a rival faction, warning that such a move would not go unchallenged.
“Our work was to elect a governor, and we’ve done that,” Wike stated. “If the current leadership decides they no longer need us, we won’t lose sleep over it. We’ve built this party, and we’ll continue to be its backbone. When the time comes, we’ll demonstrate our strength in the 2027 elections, just as we did in 2023.”
Wike expressed confidence that his faction would emerge victorious in future political battles, emphasizing that any business venture carries risks, and the current situation should be viewed as a setback rather than a defeat. He urged his supporters to remain resilient and focused on the future.
As speculation grows that Fubara and his supporters are considering a move to the All Peoples Party (APP), Wike dismissed the idea of him defecting from the PDP. He confidently stated that if he ever chose to leave the party, the impact would be massive, but he had no intention of abandoning his political roots.
“We know there are plans to defect, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to the PDP,” Wike asserted. “Let them join another party if they wish, but they will face us at the polls. We don’t fear insults or opposition; we are built to withstand the toughest challenges.”
The Rivers PDP Congress proceeded at the party’s Secretariat on Aba Road without the participation of Governor Siminialayi Fubara and his loyalists, who were reportedly absent due to a state High Court order. Despite this, the event continued, bolstered by an earlier Federal High Court ruling in its favor.
Wike’s fiery speech and his unwavering stance have set the stage for a potentially volatile political environment within the PDP, with the Rivers State chapter at the center of the storm. As the 2027 elections approach, the battle for control of the party’s structure in Rivers promises to be a critical and defining issue.
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