How Wike-Bauchi Governor Face-off is Splitting PDP, Dividing National Working Committee

The escalating conflict between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has deepened the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leading to a sharp division in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Tensions have been brewing since Umar Damagum took over as acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal. Damagum, who aligns with Wike, has been under fire from some party members, resulting in mounting calls for his resignation. The conflict further escalated after the NWC, backing Wike, approved controversial party congresses in Rivers State and delayed a National Executive Committee meeting.

The rift between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara also intensified on August 24 when PDP governors sided with Fubara, questioning the Rivers congress outcome. In retaliation, Wike threatened on August 31 to disrupt activities in the states of governors who interfered in Rivers affairs. This was met with condemnation from the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bala Mohammed, who called Wike’s threats irresponsible.

Local government elections held under Fubara’s leadership on October 5 saw Wike’s camp suffer a setback, as 22 of the 23 newly elected chairmen were from the opposition Action Peoples Party.

In a dramatic turn of events, on October 10, the NWC suspended key opponents of Damagum and Wike—National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN). In response, Ologunagba’s faction retaliated by suspending Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, accusing them of anti-party activities, and appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as acting National Chairman.

The battle for control within the PDP has largely revolved around Wike’s influence over the party structure in Rivers State. A senior member from Bala Mohammed’s camp revealed that disagreements over party finances and governance, in addition to the Rivers State dispute, are at the heart of the division.

Amid growing concerns, the PDP Board of Trustees has stepped in, urging all factions to de-escalate tensions. Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara stressed the need for unity, calling for a return to normalcy in the party’s leadership.