The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has further entrenched his influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) endorsed the Rivers State congresses, a move seen as a victory for Wike amid the ongoing leadership crisis.
During a meeting at the PDP’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza in Abuja, on Thursday, the NWC, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, also decided to postpone the crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from September 26 to October 24.
This meeting had the potential to reverse the NWC’s decision, particularly under pressure from governors allied with current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
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The tension within the PDP has been brewing for weeks, particularly between Wike and the PDP Governors Forum, which supports Governor Fubara’s leadership in Rivers State.
The conflict intensified on August 24 when the governors publicly backed Fubara and called for a review of the Rivers State congresses, challenging Wike’s authority in the state.
Wike’s response was swift and combative. On August 31, he issued a warning, threatening to destabilize the states of the governors involved if they continued to meddle in Rivers State affairs.
His comments drew sharp criticism from the PDP Governors Forum, which on September 3 condemned Wike’s remarks as irresponsible.
A senior NWC member, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the committee approved the Rivers State congresses despite opposition from some members. “They have achieved their aim. Wike has again defeated the PDP governors,” the source said, noting that only the NEC has the power to overturn the decision.
The NEC meeting, originally scheduled for August, was initially moved to September 26 due to some members traveling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage. With the latest postponement to October 24, it remains uncertain whether the governors will succeed in challenging Wike’s growing dominance within the party.
The PDP’s internal strife, particularly the battle between Wike and the governors, is expected to shape the party’s strategic direction in the coming months, with the NEC meeting now becoming a pivotal moment in determining the future leadership and unity of the party.