Tension as PDP Govs, Wike may clash on Wednesday’s NEC meeting

A significant showdown is anticipated within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) is set to meet on Wednesday to address the escalating conflict between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

Both political figures, who are members of the PDP, have been locked in a bitter feud that has not only fractured the state House of Assembly but also led to a series of legal battles in both Port Harcourt and Abuja.

The conflict has created deep divisions within the party, with the PDP Governors Forum rallying behind Governor Fubara.

The governors have publicly expressed their support for Fubara, urging the NWC to recognize him as the rightful leader of the party in Rivers State.

This stance has intensified the tension within the party, as Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a powerful figure within the PDP, has not taken kindly to the perceived undermining of his influence in the state.

In response to the growing support for Fubara from his fellow governors, Wike has issued threats to stir unrest in PDP-controlled states whose governors are aligned with Fubara.

This threat has further escalated the crisis, setting the stage for what could be a significant confrontation within the party.

The NWC meeting on Wednesday is expected to be a crucial turning point in this conflict, as the party leadership seeks to navigate the delicate balance of power between Wike and Fubara.

The outcome of this meeting could have far-reaching implications for the unity and future direction of the PDP, particularly in Rivers State, a key stronghold for the party.

“Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us. But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give it back to somebody.

“I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states. When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace – anything you see you take,” he said on Saturday in Port Harcourt.

The Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Emmanuel Agbo, confirmed that a meeting to address Wike’s threat was imminent.

“He addressed the governors specifically. The governors will meet and they will take a position. The Secretariat is to convey their (Governors) positions. Until that is done, I don’t have any take on it,” he said.

When asked about when the governors would convene, Agbo responded: “Once I get a confirmation, I will let the press know.”

The NWC meeting on Wednesday is expected to review and discuss the PDP’s recently held ward and state congresses, as well as the governors’ position on Rivers State.

A senior NWC member revealed that the party leaders would address the ongoing litigation involving the defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The meeting comes after a clear division emerged among NWC members during the last meeting. While some approved the conduct of the Rivers congress in favour of Wike despite a court injunction, others insisted that the correct procedure should be followed in the interest of Fubara.

The conflict has led to a series of legal battles, with Wike’s lawyers appealing a court order without the party’s consent.

Recall that on July 8, 2024, the Rivers State High Court issued an ex parte order barring key state officials from engaging with the defected lawmakers.

Wike’s lawyers appealed the order without the party’s consent, including that of the National Legal Adviser.

Interestingly, a letter from the acting national chairman, Damagum, and the National Secretary, Anyanwu, later clarified that the PDP was not involved in the withdrawal of the appeal.

A member of the National Executive Committee, Kola Ologbondiyan, stated that the letter provides sufficient grounds for the other NWC members to issue a vote of no confidence in the acting national chairman.

“The structure of the party is anchored on the state governor. Therefore, the NWC should apply what happened in other states to Rivers.

“In other states where the PDP has a governor, the structure of the party revolves around the governor. So whatever has been done in other states should be reciprocated in Rivers. After all, all states in Nigeria are equal, and they must consider the important role Rivers State plays in Nigeria. We cannot afford to lose control of the state,” he said.