PDP Crisis Deepens as Governors and Wike Face Off Against Fubara
Governors from the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are clashing with Abuja’s Minister, Nyesom Wike, over issues in the Rivers State chapter of the party. They might also challenge the National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagun, because Wike has maintained complete control of the party structure in Rivers State, leaving Governor Siminalayi Fubara out.
Wike and Fubara have both committed to staying in the PDP and continuing their fight. Wike had previously threatened to disrupt PDP states if they supported Fubara. This feud between Wike and Fubara has intensified, especially after Wike ensured the state Congress was controlled by his supporters.
The PDP’s national leadership tried to mediate the situation but failed. The recent Congress, which was largely boycotted by Fubara’s side, saw Wike reaffirming his dominance. The governors are now supporting Fubara and condemning Wike’s threats as irresponsible. They are open to other interventions to resolve the crisis.
The Congress, held despite a court order prohibiting it, was supervised by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) and other officials, giving it a veneer of legitimacy. However, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP had previously assured Fubara that they would resolve the conflict.
Fubara has vowed to stay in the PDP, and despite recent setbacks, he remains committed to the party. With local elections approaching, there are concerns about whether Fubara’s supporters will be able to contest under the PDP banner. Some believe that the recent Congress was not legally valid and that Fubara’s loyalists might need to seek other platforms to participate in the elections.
A legal expert and Fubara’s ally believes the recent Congress was a temporary win for Wike that won’t last, and the state’s Information Commissioner criticizes the Congress as politically reckless. The Ogoni Development Drive group has also given the PDP leadership 14 days to resolve the issues or face opposition in the state
