Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has strengthened his influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) endorsed the Rivers State congresses, affirming Wike’s hold over the state.
In a move seen as a victory for Wike and his loyalists, the NWC also postponed the crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for September 26, to October 24. This delay prevents the PDP governors from potentially reversing the decision in favor of current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The NWC, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, reached this decision during a meeting at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. The meeting had been delayed for three weeks due to growing tensions between Wike and the PDP Governors Forum over the control of the Rivers State congresses.
The conflict between Wike and Governor Fubara escalated on August 24, when PDP governors publicly backed Fubara’s leadership of the party in Rivers State. The governors called for a review of the congresses and affirmed Fubara’s position as the party leader, a move that infuriated Wike.
In response, Wike issued a stern warning on August 31, threatening to interfere in the governors’ states if they did not stay out of Rivers State affairs. This led to a rebuke from the PDP Governors Forum, which condemned Wike’s remarks as “irresponsible” on September 3.
A senior NWC official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the Rivers State congresses, along with those of several other states, had been approved. The official added that only the NEC has the authority to overturn the NWC’s decision, but with the meeting now postponed, Wike’s position remains secure for the time being.
“They’ve accomplished their goal,” the official said. “Wike has once again outmaneuvered the PDP governors. Despite opposition from a few NWC members, the congresses were approved. Only the NEC can overturn it, but that seems unlikely before October 24.”
The source also noted that a few state congresses, such as in Kogi, were put on hold due to identified issues. However, the NEC meeting, initially set to address various pressing matters, including the replacement of acting Chairman Damagum, was first rescheduled due to members traveling for pilgrimage, and now delayed again.
“As it stands, Wike has secured a major victory over the Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors Forum,” the source concluded.
