The political landscape within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shifted in favor of Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following a decisive endorsement by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) of the Rivers State congresses. The NWC’s approval solidifies Wike’s influence amid the ongoing leadership crisis.
The NWC, under the stewardship of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, met on Thursday at the party’s headquarters in Wadata Plaza, Abuja. During this meeting, the NWC not only endorsed the Rivers State congresses but also postponed the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially scheduled for September 26, to October 24. This delay potentially prevents the NEC from overturning the NWC’s decision.
The endorsement and subsequent postponement come amidst rising tensions within the party, particularly between Wike and the PDP Governors Forum. The conflict intensified on August 24 when PDP governors publicly supported the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and called for a review of the Rivers State congresses. This move was seen as a direct challenge to Wike’s influence, leading him to threaten repercussions in the governors’ states if they continued to interfere in Rivers State matters. The PDP Governors’ Forum condemned Wike’s threats on September 3 as irresponsible.
An anonymous senior NWC member disclosed that the NWC’s approval of the Rivers State congresses, along with those from other states, was a significant victory for Wike. The source indicated that while some NWC members opposed the approval, they were outvoted, leaving only the NEC with the authority to potentially overturn the decision. The NEC meeting’s rescheduling to October 24, initially delayed due to members’ pilgrimage travels, could further solidify Wike’s position if it does not address the issue.
The NWC’s decision also included stepping down congresses from a few states where anomalies were identified, such as Kogi, where issues with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman were not resolved.
Overall, the recent developments underscore Wike’s dominance within the PDP, marking a notable setback for the faction led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and reinforcing Wike’s influential role in shaping the party’s leadership dynamics.
Written by: Blossom Kugbere.