PDP Governors Lose As NWC Hands Wike Rivers Control

In a decisive move that fortifies his position within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has secured a significant victory in the ongoing party leadership crisis.

The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) has officially endorsed the Rivers State congresses, a key decision amidst the party’s internal strife.

This endorsement was confirmed during a meeting held at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja on Thursday.

The approval not only solidifies Wike’s influence but also led to the postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for September 26.

The rescheduled date for the NEC meeting is now October 24, a delay that could potentially prevent any immediate challenge to the NWC’s decision.

The NWC, under the leadership of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, has been navigating a turbulent period within the party.

The internal conflict escalated particularly after the PDP Governors Forum publicly supported current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over Wike, who is a former governor of Rivers State.

This move by the PDP governors came on August 24, igniting further tension within the party.

Wike’s dissatisfaction with the situation was made public when he threatened on August 31 to instigate unrest in the states of the governors who interfered in Rivers State affairs.

The PDP Governors Forum condemned this threat as irresponsible on September 3, further deepening the rift within the party.

A senior NWC member, who requested anonymity due to a lack of official authorization, disclosed to Punch that the approval for the Rivers State and other state congresses was granted despite the ongoing tensions.

The NEC meeting, initially scheduled to address pressing issues, including the potential replacement of Damagum, was first postponed from August to September 26 to accommodate members travelling for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. 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.”