PDP Governors Lose Ground as Wike Gains Control Over Rivers State in Party Crisis

Power Struggle Intensifies as PDP’s NWC Backs Wike in Rivers State Leadership, Postpones Crucial NEC Meeting

The power dynamics within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have shifted as Wike gains control over Rivers State, following the National Working Committee’s (NWC) decision to endorse the Rivers State congresses. This move solidifies the influence of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, amidst an ongoing leadership crisis that has pitted him against several governors of the party.

During a tense meeting at the PDP’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza in Abuja, the NWC, under the leadership of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, approved the Rivers State congresses, effectively handing Wike control over party affairs in the state. Wike gains control over Rivers State as the NWC meeting was delayed for weeks, with mounting tension between Wike and the PDP Governors Forum. This decision is a major blow to PDP governors, who had been pushing to recognize Siminalayi Fubara, the current Rivers State Governor, as the rightful leader of the party in the state.

The political struggle escalated after a public display of support by PDP governors for Fubara on August 24, sparking outrage from Wike. His response came in the form of a threat to destabilize the governors’ states if they continued to interfere in Rivers’ internal matters.

In a counter-move, the NWC’s decision to approve the congresses in Rivers and other states has further widened the rift within the PDP. A senior party member revealed that while some state congresses, such as those in Kogi, were stepped down due to irregularities, Wike gains control over Rivers State by securing NWC’s backing. The only potential reversal of this decision lies with the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose meeting has now been postponed to October 24.

The delayed NEC meeting has frustrated PDP governors, as the original date was meant to address several unresolved issues within the party, including a potential replacement of the acting national chairman. The postponement offers Wike a strategic advantage, ensuring his grip on the state’s leadership remains unchallenged for the foreseeable future.

In this ongoing struggle for power, Wike gains control over Rivers State, signaling a continued dominance over internal party politics, much to the dismay of the PDP Governors Forum led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

The approval of the Rivers State congresses by the PDP’s National Working Committee has shifted the balance of power within the party. As Wike gains control over Rivers State, the postponed NEC meeting serves as the last hope for party governors seeking to challenge the decision. With the political landscape in the PDP growing more fractured, the next steps in this internal power struggle will be critical for both Wike and his adversaries within the party.