Fubara: Wike strengthens grip on PDP as NWC hands him control of Rivers structure

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has consolidated his position in the ongoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership crisis as the National Working Committee (NWC) endorsed the Rivers State congresses.

The endorsement, spearheaded by Wike’s loyalists within the NWC, also led to the postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from September 26 to October 24, preventing an immediate review of the decision.

The NWC, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, met at the party’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday to address the escalating tension between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This internal conflict worsened when PDP governors publicly supported Fubara on August 24, affirming his leadership of the PDP in Rivers State.

Wike, angered by this move, threatened retaliation, sparking condemnation from the PDP Governors’ Forum. Despite the escalating dispute, the NWC backed Wike by approving the Rivers State congresses and delaying the NEC meeting to solidify his influence.

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