PDP governors lose as NWC hands control of Rivers to Wike

Former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has won again as the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the contentious Rivers State congresses from wards to the local governments and the state.

The decision, made during an NWC meeting at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, September 12, comes amidst a rising conflict between Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The NWC, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, approved the Rivers State congresses and postponed the crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from September 26 to October 24.

The political conflict between Wike and current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, escalated on August 24 when PDP governors publicly backed Fubara.

PDP governors called for a review of the Rivers State Congresses and affirmed Fubara’s role as the leader of the PDP in the state.

This support for Fubara enraged Wike, who on August 31 threatened to create chaos in the governors’ states if they did not refrain from interfering in Rivers State matters.

In response, on September 3, the PDP Governors’ Forum condemned Wike’s threat as irresponsible.

A senior NWC member, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorisation, revealed that the approval of the Rivers and other state congresses was granted, and the NEC meeting had been rescheduled to October 24.

The NEC meeting, originally set for August to address burning issues, including Damagum’s replacement, was first moved to September 26 because some members were travelling to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage. It has now been rescheduled to October 24.

The source stated, “They have achieved their aim. Wike has again defeated the PDP governors as the NWC approved the Rivers and other states’ congresses. There was nothing a few NWC members who were against it could do other than allow them to have their way. As it stands, only the NEC can overturn it to suit the governors’ demands.

“The Rivers State Congresses and those of other states were approved by the NWC. A few states where issues were identified were stepped down. For example, in Kogi, the Chairman and Deputy were not approved due to anomalies.

“Only the NEC can overturn the NWC’s decision on Rivers and other states. However, the NEC meeting, originally slated for September 26, has been postponed to October 24, which may not hold on that date. As it stands, Wike has defeated the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors Forum.”

Meanwhile, the PDP has suspended one of its prominent members, Senator Dino Melaye over alleged anti-party activities.