The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has solidified his influence in the ongoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership crisis after the National Working Committee (NWC) approved the Rivers State congresses, a significant win for Wike.
The NWC, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, made this decision at a meeting held at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja on Thursday. The approval came alongside the postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially set for September 26, to October 24. This delay thwarted any potential moves to overturn the decision in favor of PDP governors.
The internal conflict within the party, particularly between Wike and the PDP Governors Forum, has been brewing for weeks, especially regarding the status of the Rivers State congresses. Tensions escalated on August 24 when PDP governors publicly supported current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in the state, a move that infuriated Wike.
Wike retaliated by threatening, on August 31, to disrupt the states of any governors who interfered in Rivers State’s party matters. The PDP Governors’ Forum condemned his remarks as reckless on September 3.
A senior member of the NWC, who spoke anonymously, revealed that despite resistance from some members, the NWC ultimately approved the Rivers State congresses. Other state congresses were also approved, with a few exceptions, such as Kogi State, where issues with the chairmanship and deputy roles were identified.
“They have achieved their aim. Wike has again outmaneuvered the PDP governors as the NWC approved the Rivers and other state congresses. A few NWC members opposed it, but they couldn’t prevent the decision. Only the NEC can overturn it to favor the governors,” the source said.
The NEC meeting, initially scheduled for August and later moved to September 26, was postponed due to members traveling for pilgrimage and has now been rescheduled to October 24, though it may still be delayed. As things stand, Wike has emerged victorious over the Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors Forum.
