Wike emerges Victorious in PDP power struggle

In a decisive blow to the internal power struggle within the PDP, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, has emerged victorious in securing control of the party’s Rivers State chapter.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, under the leadership of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, has officially endorsed the Rivers State congresses, effectively reinforcing Wike’s position and undermining the efforts of the PDP Governors Forum to support current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The repercussions of this decision by the NWC extend beyond the party’s internal politics, as the NWC’s move also led to the postponement of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which was initially scheduled to address the ongoing crisis.

The NEC meeting, originally postponed from August to September 26 to accommodate members traveling for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, has now been rescheduled to October 24, effectively preventing any immediate challenge to the NWC’s endorsement of the Rivers State congresses.

The significance of the NWC’s decision cannot be overstated, as it represents a significant shift in the power dynamics within the PDP. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has long been seen as a critical player within the party, and his influence has only grown since taking up his position as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Meanwhile, the PDP Governors Forum, led by Bala Mohammed, has faced setbacks in its efforts to assert its authority within the party.

The approval of the Rivers State congresses, combined with the postponement of the NEC meeting, has left the PDP Governors Forum with limited options for addressing their concerns. It remains to be seen whether the group will attempt to challenge the NWC’s decision at the rescheduled NEC meeting in October, or if they will seek alternative avenues for asserting their influence within the party.

Regardless of the path forward, the events of the past few weeks have exposed the deep divisions within the PDP and highlighted the ongoing struggle for power within the party.

References and Citations:

• PUNCH – PDP govs loses as NWC hands Wike Rivers control
• Thisdaylive – Wike wins as NWC approves congresses of faction Loyal to him, Fubara in the Lurch
• Naija News – PDP Governors lose as NWC hands Wike Rivers control